I don’t tend to send out newsletters every single day. That isn’t just because it takes a lot of work to put a newsletter together; it’s mainly because I know that I don’t need to inundate my audience with information.

In my line of work, I can wait to blog every few days and send a newsletter every week or two. Unlike a news outlet, my information doesn’t change hourly. I realize that and so I use social media to stay connected, but not to inundate my readers with STUFF.

Unfortunately, there are many companies that haven’t gotten that message yet. Those places practically spam their customers and prospects with daily “news” that isn’t really news at all.

In order to avoid becoming a pest, you need to use social media to your advantage. And that means you have to keep a few factoids in mind:

1. Social media success happens over time. Be patient. You can’t send out 100 tweets today and expect to be a success by tomorrow.

2. You want to build real relationships with your social media contacts. Don’t just “collect names”. You can have 1,000 fans on Facebook and not one of them may be really reading what you write. Develop true partnerships and make sure you reciprocate.

3. Spam is hated. It really is. So stop spamming. Always ask yourself, “Would I want to receive this information?” If the answer is “no”, you might want to rethink your strategy.

4. Oh, and that brings us to the point that you NEED a social media strategy. If you’re just blogging, sending out newsletters, and doing Facebook updates “when you feel like it”, you’re not taking advantage of these powerful marketing tools.

There’s nothing wrong with hopping on the social media bandwagon. Just make sure you pay your dues or you’ll be seen as a hobo just riding the rails!

“I don’t have time to go to a seminar offsite, let alone head back to school!”

It’s something that plenty of entrepreneurs say when asked why they haven’t stayed on top of the latest trends and techniques to manage and improve their businesses.  But it’s also just an excuse.

In today’s fast-paced Internet world, there are mucho opportunities for entrepreneurs to keep their ears to the ground.  Best of all, many of them are FREE:

1.  Webinars

These are hot, hot, hot and are a great way to find out what’s going on.  (You can even check out your competitors if they offer free or low-cost webinars.)  You don’t have to leave your home or office, either.

2.  Teleseminars

Like webinars, these learning opportunities take place in a virtual capacity, via telephone.  You’ll call into a special number and be tied into a training session.

3.  Ebooks

Many sites offer free ebooks if you sign up for their newsletters.  Avail yourself of this freebie; most ebooks are relatively short and you’ll probably learn at least a nugget of new info.

4.  The Library

It’s old-fashioned, but it’s free!  All you have to do is take the time to go there and peruse the book aisles.  You won’t spend a penny, but you’ll have all the great minds at your fingertips!

5.  Blogs and Websites

Many blogs and websites keep you up to date on new and emerging trends in your industry as well as peripheral industries.  Subscribe to these fountains of knowledge… you never know when you’re going to read something that makes you go “Aha!”