Will Social Media Really Help My Business?

Should I be involved in Social Media? It seems like such a waste of time. This is something I hear frequently from prospects and clients, and in general conversation. Those who are already using Social Media effectively think this issue is settled; but, many small business owners trying stay afloat aren’t so sure. This is a post dedicated to those business owners that are still wondering about Social Media. The rest of you smug-mugs, and I use that affectionately, go ahead and read another post.

Go Where Your Customers Are

How’s that for a “no duh!” statement. But seriously, do you know where (or if) your customers hang out online? Your initial starting point in evaluating Social Media is to find out if your target market is there. This can be a little tricky. If you only survey your existing customers you may get different results from what some key prospects might tell you. But, your starting point should be with your best customers. Ask them. Do they use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Foursquare, etc.? How do they use them, and why?

If their answers are yes, then you need to set up accounts for each one. Wait! Don’t just jump in feet first. Set up your accounts primarily as “listening stations”. Find out if any of your prospects are involved. You can do simple searches for company names and for individuals. When you find them, start following them. You will be amazed at what you learn by just simply listening. LinkedIn just added a new feature for following companies that have profiles. You can find out all kinds of valuable information and insights. If you need help, contact me I will be glad to get you started.

Start Conversations

After you have been listening for awhile start responding to questions or comments made. Especially if you can add valuable information or help. Social Media isn’t really new. Some may brand me a loon for saying that, but it is really nothing more than effectively networking online. If you know how to network in person then you can “do” Social Media. Be yourself and be authentic in your conversations and you will soon open up all kinds of new opportunities to establish relationships. You will also find those who want to work with you.

Finding Twitter users can be a little easier because of the third-party sites that have proliferated. Here are few that you might want to try: TwitteRel, Twellow, Twitaholic, Wefollow, and JustTweetIt. This is by no means comprehensive, but it will help you get started.

Here’s where you need to exercise caution and learn to use some new tools. Once you start to venture beyond listening and start engaging with others, the time sink problem comes into play. In my next post I will outline some tools that you can use that will prevent that from happening.