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Comments from Social Media Experts (1): Elyse Meyer and Jackie Johnstone



On reading social media advice from experts in Africa and beyond, I came across Elyse Meyer at Prism Global. She writes that entrepreneurs should focus on relationships first, when it comes to social media, rather than hiding behind their products or services. “Create and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with both your potential customers as well as thought leaders,” writes Meyer. “It's these influencers who can make a significant impact on your social media marketing success. A single retweet or like from a key influencer can put your content in front of hundreds, maybe even thousands of eyes!”

Lionesses of Africa offer similar advice on their website, reminding Africa’s women entrepreneurs to converse with others: “Above all, it’s about engaging in a proactive and helpful conversation with your customers through social media, so that their experience with your brand is always a positive one."

Naturally, the conversations we might have with others—be that on social media or elsewhere—should always be genuine and mutually enjoyable, rather than pushing a particular product or service. In fact, in summary, Jackie Johnstone of Entrepreneur says it perfectly: “To build real, genuine connections, those doing the sharing must be human.”

--Chimuka Moore
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