Social Glue

A few people have recently told me that I’m pretty good at marketing. Every time my name and marketing are in the same sentence, I roll my eyes. I am not trained in that, I don’t really know what I’m doing, I don’t spend any money on advertising… what could I possibly know about marketing? It turns out, people give me more credit than I give myself.

Here’s what I’ve learned about marketing and while this isn’t the end all, be all, these are the techniques I’ve used to grow from no clients to a fully booked practice with a wait-list. I’m talking about the Social Glue Method.

The Social Glue Philosophy

The only way this method works is if you believe that your top priority is to connect with people, to get to know them, get to learn more about their business, and to support them in what they want in life and in business. Basically, be a friend. You don’t go into a non-business friendship needing things from the other person, you become friends because you hit it off and you like them! So, drop any ulterior motive, drop trying to “market” or “sell” to them. Your main motive is to give to them and to pour into the relationship freely.

The crux of this process is to connect your new friend with a person, a resource, an idea. You want to give them support or connections that would be valuable to them! If you don’t have anything to offer, you still have the ability to cheer them on and encourage them from time to time.

How the Social Glue Method has changed these women’s businesses:

“I feel more comfortable being active in Facebook Groups because I ‘know’ more of the members through coffee chats. I’ve also been able to instantly connect with the women I’ve had coffee chats with when I meet them in person at conferences or workshops!”

Kinsey Roberts of She Creates Business Podcast

“I’ve had the opportunity to share more about myself, my goals, and my plans beyond what is appropriate online in a Facebook Group. I’ve also had the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships. Coffee chats have given me the opportunity to talk about what I’m doing in business without having to feel like there is money on the line as if I was speaking to a potential client.”

Jamie Marquez of Caffeinated Possibilities

“Oh man, where to begin? I’ve been able to build stronger relationships with my peers after connecting with them in a coffee chat. We’ve become each others’ cheerleaders, accountability buddies, and even streams of client referrals. The best part is, I no longer feel like I’m on this journey alone. Having a coffee chat and hearing “Oh my gosh, you too? I thought I was the only one!” has made all the difference!”

Holly Meyer of Holly Meyer Design

“At the end of chats, most people ask each other how they can support each other/each other’s businesses. So you have a chance to ask for support without anyone pitching services, that way it’s not at all icky.

Last year, when I was writing my book, almost everyone I chatted with offered to help spread the word when I was ready. I started a list of those people and was shocked when the book launch came and I had almost 50 people on it!”

Jodi Brandon of Jodi Brandon Editorial

“I feel more connected and ‘seen’ if that makes sense. Now when I see people posting in this or other Facebook Groups, I’m like, I know her! I’m going to comment and cheer her on. And I see others doing the same for me!”

Hannah Lowe Corman of Hannah Lowe Corman original paintings

“I’ve found people who encourage and inspire me in huge ways. They’ve been constant cheerleaders for me in the new adventures for my business, and I’ve been able to serve as the same for them. Fan girling turns to coffee chats, which turns to lifelong friendships. Plus, it’s given me such a great group of people I trust that I can invite into future projects and collaborations! It means that I get to work with true friends instead of just anyone out there!”

Lauren Carnes of Lauren Carnes