I want to show you someone that is on track to succeed in social media marketing.

Doing so is simple:

1. Create good content: pics, copy, information, video.
2. Interact with prospects and customers.
3. Communicate with your prospects and customers consistently and often.

Rob really didn't get it until just a month or so ago. He'd heard about social media and understood it must be worthy of his attention. After just a few conversations it seems to have clicked. And, he's put resources and time into making his online presence more palatable to his customers. He is sliding into social media success rather comfortably. Though he really needs a little boost in video networking, he's already doing very well with pictures as well as engaging customers on Facebook and his website is fleshing out very nicely. He has the right attitude and the right focus. I am convinced these social media tools are going to create better customer relationships.

Fortunately for Rob, he's a customer driven business owner. He really understands and appreciates the customer. Like many small business owners, he has an edge on big corporate competitors in that he has a passion for delivering good product and a good persona.

Wait, did I just say website? How does your website relate to your social media marketing approach? It's the center of the whole game. I have no doubt that Facebook stores are coming soon. But even then, you need a central brand and destination you control. And, that's your domain AKA website. Don't for one minute think that the old school website is dead. Well, the old school static and unchanging website is dead. Hopefully, dead like Dracula with an oak stake through its boring, blackened heart. However, websites as a central place to store your information and interactions are still a million times more flexible than big social spaces like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the like.

You MUST drive people back to the website and you must connect with them in multiple public spaces. You never want to rely on one company's good will to keep you alive online. What if they get mad and cancel your account, or what if someone claims they own your brand or what if they just go down, out of business, the list never ends. Don't worry about those what ifs. They happen, and they happen all the time. But, if you develop a deep multi-tiered online relationship with all your prospects and clients, you'll be OK.

What Werner's Trading has done right is post information, make a huge leap in local market penetration and start to interact with people through their Facebook page. Next, I'd like to see Rob capitalize on video and create even more buzz and interaction. He's a really a cool guy and his friend Mazy is quite cool too. I can't wait to introduce them to many more people online.