Whenever I discuss social media with clients and how it can be a great asset to their business, I usually sense a bit of hesitation from them. Sure, everyone knows about Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter but I always find myself explaining how and why these tools aren’t just for fun, they’re great opportunities for business or business connections.
Here’s how I see it:
Have you ever done any networking? No, not the kind that involves lots of wires and hardware. I mean FACE to FACE networking. This is the networking where you have to get up early in the morning or attend a luncheon with a bunch of people you may not know. Why do we attend these meetings? We do it with the hope that maybe we might be introduced to our dream client or we’ll make a connection with someone who will know our dream client. Social media works the same way.
Social media isn’t just for fun and games. Sure, you can use it that way if you choose, but why not give it a try for business too? You see, people generally do business with other people they know like and trust. That’s exactly whats happening online with tools like Facebook and LinkedIn. People are talking. They may need someone to refer them to a web design company or simply share their experiences about other businesses. Sometimes, people are looking for advice or to fill a position. The point to be made is if you’re not visible to your online audience, you may miss a huge opportunity.
With that being said you should realize that not every social media platform is best for you. You’ll need to do some homework to figure this out. Look at your business and think about your target market. Where are they? What do they like to do? What interests do they have? What is your competition doing? One you find the right fit for you, get involved in their online communities and be social!