Periscope is the online business owner’s secret weapon!
Introduced less than a year ago, Periscope is a hot social media app that works as a mobile live streaming platform. Periscope makes it easy to spontaneously stream a live video of your opinions and activities via “scopes”. Participants show their support by sharing the broadcast and raise the host’s ratings by screen tapping to generate “heart” icons that float up the side of the screen.
Connected to Twitter, your scopes automatically show up on your newsfeed, so your followers can tweet and re-tweet your broadcasts. This can be a great marketing tool for your online business with the potential of attracting new business.
As an online business owner, take advantage of the fabulous and FREE opportunity to personalize and promote your brand and products by interacting live with viewers.
I have taken the leap into Periscope and so can you!
Get ready, get set… Periscope!
The very first Periscope stream that I participated in was done by a productivity guru who was on Periscope for the first time. She was ready, organized and completely personable. I got what I came for with no pain. She made me trust in her product.
I have happily followed her on Periscope and Twitter and tune in to her broadcasts. She became a role model for me when it comes to providing business content via multiple platforms, including live streams.
To attract viewers in the business community, have your content organized before scoping about your business or services. Treat business related scopes like a stand-up presentation in a boardroom. You can be less formal, but have some structure to the way you are sharing your information.
You may want to spend a few seconds in small talk while folks are joining your broadcast, but do get to the main topic fairly quickly, while you still have the attention of your audience.
Periscope for Business or Pleasure?
If you are going to use Periscope to market your business, it is probably a good idea to avoid using the same platform for sharing unrelated personal information unless you have an established following that knows you well.
If you are building a community around your products or services, try to be consistent and make the majority of your broadcasts about your business!
That’s not to say you can’t let your audience get to know you.
One of the business owners I follow has been on the Periscope scene from the beginning. She has also become a good friend, because she is so personable and friendly. Almost all of her scopes are related directly or indirectly to her products or services, with just plain socializing after the main topic has been discussed.
Everyone gets the benefit of her main topic, and not everyone sticks around for the chit-chat and that’s okay. Because she leads with great content and is a genuinely friendly and up-beat person, her followers are loyal and her business is growing by leaps and bounds.
Respect Your Periscope Audience
When you begin an online business venture, unless your name is already a household word, you will build recognition and followers over time.
One of my most respected and talented business coaches consistently stresses the importance of reaching out to potential community members. There is no substitute for one-on-one direct communication.
This is often the most difficult hurdle to overcome for new business owners. Where do you find potential community members, and how to reach out?
Periscope can be your secret weapon for community building!
When someone joins your scope and takes enough interest to comment, tap out hearts or share your broadcast they have gifted you with their valuable time and attention. Say thank you!
Make every effort to send a quick message expressing your appreciation. It feels good to send happy messages, and your audience member will enjoy being noticed. Don’t you think they will be more likely to tune in again?
Just Do It – Jumping on Periscope
Getting on Periscope might seem pretty scary the first time or two, but will be worth the effort. And every time gets easier.
Live streaming lets you respond immediately to viewer questions and comments, building loyalty and trust in your viewers. Periscope is also a great way to connect with other online business owners and may lead to some fabulous collaborations!
A little advanced planning and consideration for your audience can make Periscope the platform that takes your business to the next level.
Have you tried Periscope yet? What is holding you back? Share your thoughts on Periscope in the comments below!