Learning from the Best: Social Marketing Habits of 6 Power Users

Millions of followers on Twitter, and a similar number of fans on Facebook don’t just happen by accident. They are the result of doing something right.

If you want to learn how to do  social media marketing correctly, start by watching the leaders, the power users, if you will.  Checkout their techniques and learn from the best.

Social Media Power Users Marketing Habits

1. Gary Vaynerchuck

[Image: Wikipedia]

Vaynerchuck is a passionate speaker, businessman, and a committed social media enthusiast. That should have been enough for us to learn from him but it doesn’t end there. The man who took his family business from $3 million to $60 million in seven short years loves social media and he quips:

There’s only one reason to be using social media: It’s a good one.

Speaking to Dorie Clark of Forbes.com, he explains why he re-launched his blog at VaynerMedia, his social media consulting company:

The more content I put out, the more luck I have.

He also believes that:

Content Marketing is the cost of entry to relevance in today’s society.

It’s not good enough to just produce long-form content; you have to put out micro-content to drive awareness to it.

Vaynerchuck’s social media strategy is all about passion. He’d stay up late into the night, “bleeding his eyes out” to produce content that delivers value. He reaches out to everyone. He is everywhere. For him, social media is all about showering extreme gratitude on the community at large.

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2. Sir Richard Branson

[Image: Twitter]

You’d think that the self-styled, self-made billionaire and Founder of Virgin Group wouldn’t bother with social media, but he does. In fact, he is a celebrity entrepreneur who still makes time for social media in spite of having to manage more than 300 companies spread out over 30 countries with diverse business interests.

Branson believes that for a brand like Virgin, social media is a natural fit. He knows, and now believes, that social media changes the way his brands engage and interact with customers. For Branson, social media is a great way to interact directly with customers, pick up feedback, and have dialogues which would have been impossible otherwise. Each of his companies also uses social media, Virgin Airlines to improve the experience of their guests, for instance.

Most importantly, Branson leads by example by being authentic. He stresses that you can’t force your way into the social media community.

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3. Liz Strauss

[Image: Liz Strauss]

Would you get on social media when you are struck down by anything remotely life threatening? Cancer threatens Strauss, but she is now reclaiming her life. On her social media channels she exudes an intense energy and positive approach to life, even when battling a life threatening disease.

Strauss is the Founder of SOBCon, a high-profile business summit. She is also a social Web strategist and a prolific blogger. She is the seventh highest-ranking woman listed by Dun & Bradstreet while also being one of the most influential people on Twitter, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Her success, in life and on social media, comes from the fact that she’s genuine. Her influence comes from the fact that she puts her heart in everything she does. She rocks because she brings value to others.

Can you do that?

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4. Chris Brogan

[Image: Wikipedia]

For Chris Brogan, CEO and President of Human Business Works, a long-time social media influencer, and author, “Social Media is not a Vocation.” It’s all about purpose, tools, and a method. When asked in an interview for Blog Herald, Brogan reveals his secrets for success on social media.

He managed to grow a community thanks to the hard work involved in shining the spotlight on others, promoting others’ work, and including others as a part of the story. He also believes in choosing channels, mediums, and conduits that you find most comfortable.

Just keep pushing.

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5. Jeff Barrett

[Image: Facebook]

Barret runs Status Creative, a PR agency with a digital focus and a social engagement business. He is also a well-known social media influencer. Barret was recognized as one of the most influential Ad Execs on Twitter. He also contributes to Mashable and The Washington Times.

Barret believes in trends. He runs a weekly chat on Twitter which goes by the hashtag #BareItAll on topics around PR, technology and current events. Here’s what he has to say about social media:

If you are trying to get coverage; a press release is good. But 100,000 people already talking about it is even better.

He also believes that “social media is not a billboard, it’s a conversation.” Hence, he tweets back. He responds. He stays active, and ahead of the game.

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6. Paul Barron

[Image: Paul Barron]

What do restaurants have to do with social media? Ask, Paul Barron and you’ll know. He started a “social revolution” in the restaurant industry and the $500 billion dollar market can’t get enough of him.

For Barron, Founder of Fastcasual.com, the DigitalCoCo and author of Chipotle Effect, social media is an idea generator. It’s a trend mapping tool, and a strategic compass for a vast variety of information. He attributes his own success as a serial entrepreneur who started six successful media and technology companies to his effective use of social media. Paul gives to and receives from social media. He is a Top Restaurant Trendsetter on 2012, and one of the Forbes’ Top 15 Social Power Influencers of 2012.

Who are your favorite influencers on social media and what did you learn from them?

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