This article was inspired by a video that was teaching people how to use a Twitter and Facebook tool to get as many Twitter followers and Facebook fans as possible. What struck me first was how broad the focus was and how untargeted the audience was. That is a sure-fire recipe for discouragement when it comes to connecting with the correct audience for any business. To properly connect with potential customers, clients, and patients, you have to stop and invest the time needed to get crystal clear and laser focused on who your target market is; the specific demographic that you are going after.

I am of the opinion that the more focused and targeted you can be with your marketing the more value, trust, and depth of relationship you will have with your customers, clients, or patients in the long-run. A captive audience of 200 laser targeted people that absolutely need and want what you have or provide is exponentially more valuable than a captive audience of 20,000 people who just happened to connect with you somewhere, at some point. If you build an audience of 20,000 people that are only half interested (at best) in what you provide, is that audience really worth anything? Not unless your target market is aimed at "anyone who can fog a mirror".

To ensure that you are connecting and engaging with the correct people in your social media channels, take the time to unplug and get completely clear on your target market; who your ideal customer, client, or patient is. Your target market has defined characteristics right down to their likes and dislikes, their age and gender, and even habits and hobbies. The more focused you can get with these bits of information the quicker you can truly connect and the better your chances at success and sales will be.

So keep this in mind when you're out their connecting and engaging with people in your social channels like Twitter and Facebook. Don't cast a broad net in an effort to just create a large fan base. Get focused and connect with people who have the potential to turn into an ideal customer, client, or patient. That way you're cultivating win-win connections and relationships for everyone involved. You're getting what you and your business needs, and you're providing specific solutions for people with specific needs.