Hate Social Media? What’s the Secret?

That was a headline on a blog post recently.

Why do many small businesses hate social media?

One of my clients said “I know I do.  I know it should be a part of my business activity. I don’t know what to do or how to do it. ” and yet another said ” I find with real and virtual friends and family scattered all over the world, it ‘s an important part of my personal life too. So how do I get past my fears: How  or Why? do I separate the two?”

The post quoted a survey by an email marketing company, here are a few results:

• 1 in 4 small businesses hate Social media
• 70% hate Groupon
• About 50% hate Facebook and twitter
• A majority actually like Linked In.

Do all of small business owners hate social media? Short answer ‘ NO’

There are many small business owners who understand that  Word of Mouth (WoM) and Social is the new direction in Advertising and Marketing.  I’ve spoken to numerous 30 to 40 somethings and they all agree on one thing: We are NOT swayed by sell sell sell.
If these savvy shoppers want something, and this applies to everything from animals to  ice cream.. to zithers: They will start with WoM.. then they will check in their social networks and only in the event of no satisfactory choices, then perhaps search on Google or Bing..

So what does this mean for you and your business?

This means you need to be in the Social Web. You need to go where the clients are going. From research to development and beyond those to sales; You can find it all within the appropriate social networks for your niche.

There is NO ‘Secret’ – There is only one sure way to get others talking about you and your business..

ENGAGE.    ENGAGE.   ENGAGE.

For instance: Do your widget clients hanker for a blue widget? does it currently  come only in green?
If 50% of your possible clients are clamouring for a blue one.. By engaging and following the posts/questions/comments in your social platforms, for widgets, you will know what they want. You can NOW create the blue one.

Clients who are happy with your work, will tell a friend, if questioned. Why not start a discussion online about your industry’s best stories? You will learn what you are doing right and wrong, also what your competition is doing right and wrong. Now you have the information you can use to:

• Step up your game
• Correct a problem ( you may not have been aware of)
• Develop new strategies, services or products to meet the clients needs

These are only two simple examples.. There are millions of ways for you and your business to jump into the Social web and claim your piece of the Social Business pie!

What are you waiting for??

REMEMBER: There is only one sure way to get others talking about you and your business..

ENGAGE.    ENGAGE.   ENGAGE.