How To Use Social Media Offline

A couple days ago I got some new business cards in the mail, and I am really pleased with how they turned out.  Business cards have been a form of offline marketing for as long as any of you can probably remember, but as I was designing my new ones I really wanted to find a way to still connect with my online communities. I know it is not something that is usually done, but then again, social communities are still rather new.

Bringing the offline and online marketing communities together:

I guess what I really wanted is to make sure the people who got my business cards, know of all the places they can find me online.  We are in a day and age where some people may prefer to connect with you via Twitter instead of emailing you (if they know you are on Twitter).  As crazy as this may sound, get this – I introduced a neighbor who is a web developer to a contact of mine on Twitter.  They have done all their business, and I mean everything via Twitter and instant message – thats it.  Never spoke on phone, never emailed – none of the old traditional ways of doing business – and this was a pretty big client too that is paying him good.

Here is the picture of the front side of my new card: (sorry for crappy quality, its the iPhone camera which is horrible)

Business Cards need to reach your online communities
Business Cards need to reach your online communities

Here is the back of my card, where I reach out to my two most important (business) networks – Twitter and LinkedIn.  Granted you cant see the URLs on this picture very well, but they are there, and I hope you get the point.

LinkedIn and Twitter on Business Cards
LinkedIn and Twitter on Business Cards

If you have not already thought of doing this, I would suggest you do so with your next batch of business cards.  I know that I would rather connect with you via LinkedIn or Twitter, then any other method (for business).

What to be learned:

This IMO is just a great example and way to connect with your online communities when you are dealing with offline marketing.  It is also a great way to get more people aware of the networks you use, besides maybe introducing them to networks they have never heard of (thus expanding yours).  Believe it or not, I have people all the time ask me what Twitter is.  For the social media community, and online community its kind of funny, but there are a lot of people out there that are not so up to date – especially with social networks.  These are the same people not selling stuff on eBay because they think its to hard.

If this is the first time you are reading this blog, or you have not connected with me on Twitter – please feel free to follow me on Twitter!

3 thoughts on “How To Use Social Media Offline

  1. Trevor says:

    I like them; well done. You make a great point about people preferring different social networks. I enjoy Twitter a lot more than LinkedIn- just a matter of preference, I suppose. If you can give people some options like that, they’re a lot more likely to get in touch with you via a social medium.

    Great post.

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