This is the condensed “Cliff Note” version of some high level concepts that businesses CAN and SHOULD be using social media for. I’ll be speaking to a group at the St. Cloud Chamber later today about this and it of course inspired a blog post. I really believe that most people over-think social media too much when it comes to business and therefore paralyze themselves from “just doing it”! Really people…according to Facebook, the average person on Facebook has 130 friends (on Facebook). So, if you are a small business and have only 100 Fans of your business page you are now only one degree away from 13,000 people! And the kicker is it’s FREE!!!
Anyway, here are 8 ways that your business can take social media by the horns and use it to your advantage…
Branding and Marketing
While Branding is your IMAGE…Marketing is your MESSAGE
- Increase your company’s visibility by increasing your online footprint
- Expand the reach of your message beyond your immediate network and audience
- Assist your company with brand recognition (Logo, location, products, services, etc.)
Educating and Researching
Educating is about SHARING your EXPERTISE and Researching is about LISTENING and gaining INSTANT FEEDBACK.
- Increase your credibility and become a “go-to” expert within your network.
- Get more accurate about the products and services you offer by using your network to give you ideas and direction.
- Keep an eye on your competition…or better yet, beat your competition to social media.
Prospecting and Retaining
Prospecting is about FINDING you new clients and RETAINING is about KEEPING the ones you already have and have worked so hard for.
- “In sight…top of mind!” Be there when your potential clients come looking for you.
- We are all getting older and the NEXT generation of prospects and clients will EXPECT the companies they buy from and work with to be active on social media. If they can’t find you there…they will move on to someone who is.
- Average on user on Facebook is connected to 60 pages, groups and events…you should be one of them…if not MORE!
Networking and Socializing
Use Networking to gain strategic ALLIANCES and Socializing to gain strong FANS who become ADVOCATES.
- Networking BEFORE, DURING and AFTER events using social media tools.
- be AUTHENTIC and don’t forget that people buy from other people…don’t forget the human factor!
- Social media is by its very nature…SOCIAL! Don’t forget to HAVE FUN!
Tags: Blog, Brand, Business, Facebook, Marketing and Advertising, Small business, Social Media, social network
