Primer On Social Media

1. Defining Social Media - Is It The Next Marketing Gold Rush?
2. Social Media Is Not Just About Facebook, Twitter Or LinkedIn
3. Five Reasons Why Participation In Social Media May Be Right For You


1. Defining Social Media - Is It The Next Marketing Gold Rush?

No matter what business sector you’re in – business-to-business or business-to-consumer - it’s hard to escape the news - and hype - about social media. Is it the next marketing gold rush? No, it’s just another element that may or may not fit into your sales-building marketing plan.

Social media is simply defined as being social with people by utilizing online tools or sites that allow interaction. The interaction may be through conversations, photos or videos. You can also interact with others through blogs, polls, forums, ratings and reviews, testimonials, discussion boards and online events.

There’s a good chance you’ve already participated in social media in one form or another. There’s also a chance that your company, your service or your product has already been talked about in various forums.

It’s important to understand that social media is not an advertising campaign but rather a series of conversations with people who have the same interests as you or may be interested in what you have to say. They may even be your potential customers.

2. Social Media Is Not Just About Facebook, Twitter Or LinkedIn
Although Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the social media platforms you hear about the most, there are countless other channels available to you based on specialized interests and specific industries. Consider them the specialized “cable channels” of social media.

One of the important elements of social media is finding a group that is made up of your potential customers or those who have the same interests as you. In his book, “Social Media Is A Cocktail Party,” Jim Tobin uses the analogy that social media is like a cocktail party but cautions you that “not every cocktail party is a must attend.” Once you decide which parties to attend, you then want to get comfortable at the party and be social. And with that, you’re now on your way to “doing” social media.

3. Five Reasons Why Participation In Social Media May Be Right For You

Your competitors may already be participating in social media through blogs LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook. Each tool has its own “search” function, so you can find this information immediately.

Your vendors and manufacturers may be using it. If so, you want to be there as well.

Your customers are participating. Each one is a publisher, writing blogs and reviews and participating in discussion groups.

Participation in groups can increase interest in your company’s service or product and lead to more web site traffic.

Social media puts a human face on what could otherwise be an impersonal company.