People > Promotion: The Power of Social Through the Years
When you look at the history of digital, from message boards to social media platforms, and now today’s AI-driven platforms…one thing stays true: community holds the value. The people connection.
This is especially true for small businesses, small teams, and nonprofits, it goes beyond our followers, impressions, and clicks. It’s about the power of our community.
From the earliest days of the internet, people gathered online to connect around shared interests, shared challenges and goals. That hasn’t changed. The tools have definitely evolved, users have evolved. The algorithms shift. Platforms come and go. But the value stays the same. People coming together, just as we do in person.
This is where we introduce #FlexYourInfluence, our favorite hashtag for a decade. Influence is using your voice, your message/platform, and your presence to stay visible, support your community, and move work forward. The influence and community you have is made stronger when you’re connected online. Supporting each other through LIKES, SHARES, and COMMENTS.
Communication strategies vary, but professionals, brands, and organizations all need engagement…through content and conversation. This article shows the circle of life that happens when leaders and visionaries get their message out, build community, reach their goals, and move past the hesitation that often comes with showing up.
Over the years, there’s one thing we see again and again.
Hesitation. The leaders we work with definitely have something to share. They hesitate because of the discomfort that sometimes comes from putting themselves out there. Writing. Posting. Sharing ideas, going on video/LIVE, etc... It can feel vulnerable.
Here’s how SocializeLA leads leaders through hesitant moments. You don’t have to be loud, but you need to be visible, present, and ACTIVATED. Strengthening your influence online matters beyond your own goals. Your influence matters to others. Your email list matters. Your outreach matters. Your growth matters. Your content matters. This isn’t ego, it’s connection, visibility, and long-term growth.
These are the reminders we give leaders when hesitation or “showing-up fatigue” kicks in:
You already have influence, social expands it.
Your influence extends to your meetings, in conversations, inside your industry, and within your community. Social media expands what already exists. It takes the conversations you’re already leading in IRL ( in real life) and allows the message to travel farther.Visibility doesn’t have to be bragging, it’s leadership.
Most leaders don’t want to boast, they’re focused on doing the work and making things happen. When it comes time to share that work, it can feel egotistical, even when it’s not. That’s a hurdle. Sharing your work isn’t ego, it’s leadership. With the right messaging, you stay with your company culture and build trust.You need to be alive on the internet.
Being alive on the internet means being visible, present, and engaged so people know your business is active and moving forward. It shows that you’re paying attention, participating in the community, and continuing to lead.Your email list matters more than you think.
Your email list is one of the most valuable things you build. It’s your direct line to your community, not dependent on algorithms or changing platforms. It’s especially great if you engage your list. Social platforms come and go, but your email database is one thing that stays with you.Consistency builds trust.
Trust doesn’t come from one great post. It builds over time. Showing up regularly tells people you’re steady, reliable, and committed to your work and your audience.Community is the fuel.
Community is the fuel that keeps relationships growing and businesses moving forward. The strongest brands aren’t always the loudest, they’re some of the most connected. Supported by people, who they also support. Businesses that stay present and engaged with the communities around them get their message across and acted on.Growth comes from connection, not noise.
Posting more doesn’t always mean growing more. Begging, always asking, always showing need is not attractive. Growth comes from meaningful interaction, shared ideas, and real engagement. It’s about conversation, not just the content.Your voice supports more than your mission/business.
Your voice supports partners, other businesses, raising awareness for causes, and strengthening the community around you. Visibility creates opportunities not just for you, but for others.Micro-Influencing.
Some very powerful voices all around us aren’t the biggest, yet they’re trusted by a small community that activates around them. Micro-influencers and community leaders often have smaller audiences, but strong relationships. This is powerful.Visibility multiplies opportunity.
When you stay visible, opportunities show up. Partnerships form. Referrals happen. Collaborations grow. People remember the businesses and leaders who consistently show up. “Be Wildly Excited About the Possiblities.” - SocializeLANo business grows alone.
Behind every successful business is a network of some kind, partners, clients, mentors, supporters, and community organizations. When you stay visible, you strengthen the ecosystem that supports your growth.
Build through community, momentum will follow.
Platforms will change. Technology will evolve. But the value of our communities remains constant. Businesses that grow through community build relationships that last, and momentum follows naturally. There’s much more to discuss on this topic.
There are plenty of stats out there about fundraising, list-building, product launches, that succeeded because of their community. Whether it’s a nonprofit raising money or a business selling something, the pattern is the same: they have an engaged community and use their online presence intentionally, succeed.
For those who do regularly publish content. Ask yourself this: Are people taking action?
Are they signing up? Booking meetings? Buying? Donating? Commenting? Etc…
If nothing’s happening, something’s off. It might not be a full overhaul, it may be a tweak. A stronger message. A clearer call to action. That’s usually where we come in to bridge that gap.
If you're showing up but not seeing movement, it might be time to tighten your messaging and get your calls to action working harder. If you’re not showing up, we can help with that too.
We love the work we do at SocializeLA, helping leaders and visionaries stay visible, build community, and stay activated.
Cheers to you!
Margaret + Team SocializeLA
