Number twenty-five of our weekly interviews in which we discover how real businesses are making Social Media work for them. Please meet Amanda Barnett.
Who are you and what do you do?
I offer straightforward financial advice to (mainly) individuals focusing on their pensions and investments. I have now gained the reputation as a ‘go to’ person for financial advice. I also run the 4Networking Group in Cirencester. As it happens, I am one of the longest serving group leaders.
How do you use Social Media?
I do have a profile on LinkedIn but need to use it more. Twitter is my main social media tool. I use it for relationship marketing and to enhance my face to face networking activities. My business is all about personal relationships. When I see people at a networking event, I know what they have been doing because I actively follow and communicate with them on Twitter. We can carry on our face to face conversations in the online environment.
I use Twitter daily and have grouped people I want to follow into different lists to make it easier to listen and respond to what they are saying.
I generally don’t give business opinions and never give advice on Twitter as I need to be careful of compliance, but I talk to and promote individuals, remembering it is a public arena.
I also find the 4N forum is a good way of enhancing my profile.
Can you share a Personal Success Story?
I have ‘met’ people on Twitter who I have invited to my 4Networking group to meet them face to face. I have found my use of Twitter has enhanced my brand and reputation and kept me in ‘front of mind’ when people do need an IFA or have referrals.
At a personal level, I have had better customer service when I have used Twitter to make a complaint about a brand than email or phone.
Can you give our readers a top tip?
I have the following tips:
- Don’t swear
- Avoid negativity
- Take an interest in others and respond.