Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Sandra daCOSTA | Going Viral - Brands, Products, and Services?!

With everyone discussing their brands, products, and services across multiple forms of Social Media, how does one (or more specifically me) stand out in a sea of chaotic information and spam?

I began this blog with the intention of utilizing my work, work ethic, and connections to reach people through thoughts, opinions, expertise and vision.  This has proven to be a tremendous challenge.  Why you ask?  For multiple reasons...

1.  I am not a writer by any means.

2.  I know what my brand is but I am not quite clear on how to put it on paper, or why it would matter to the masses.

3.  "SPAM OR MESSAGE THROWING".  I detest this with every fiber of my being, but how do I get the word out there that what I'm doing is what I'm doing.  I have no intention of "marketing at" people, it's "spamming" as far as I'm concerned... how could I do that to friends, family, and colleagues, it's so impersonal.  And as far as reaching those outside my circle why would they care, as the relationship doesn't exist, it's entirely one sided and not my goal.

So how do I get around all this clutter?  What is it I'm trying to achieve?  Here it is if you have a moment or two (I have a feeling that the people who love me will read this in it's entirety, and that's OK).

It's quite simple in theory!

I want to engage you and everyone else in conversation.  I want to humanize and personalize my stories specifically for the people I'm attempting to reach.  As I continue to participate and contribute content, advice, and information I hope to build an online portfolio of knowledge that will lend to my reputation, which will inadvertently raise the profile of the brand I represent.

Most importantly, this type of participation encourages reader loyalty.  I EARN your TRUST, and TRUST is PRICELESS.

No BS. No Hype.  What we have here is an understanding of the truth, the needs of people and how to reach them.

I want to facilitate new conversations that can start locally but will have global impact (I know, I'm an actor, it's not like I'm saving lives, but what I do is so important, do not underestimate the art of being entertained).  Which is why it's imperative that I know what I'm talking about, why it matters, and how and who it helps.

It's about dialogue and storytelling.  Not raw facts on a press release.  RESPECT your contacts and do your homework.

For me it's less about traffic and hits as metrics for success and more about QUALITY, REFERRALS, and so on that define my growth. (Don't get me wrong, it would be awesome to be "Trending" on many of the popular search engines).  But this is an opportunity to engage and cultivate relationships and to be a resource for my community.

MORE SUBSTANCE, LESS HYPE and regardless of the technology, beneficial conversations are about trust, respect, and positive experiences.

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE,

2011 is the year to make it happen,
XOXO Sandra D

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_

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