Social Media. Every time you open your e-mail, you are encouraged to participate … your inbox can be flooded with invitations from Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and many more venues including links to personal videos and blogging sites.
As a small business owner, the continued promise that your Internet presence will increase your business can become overwhelming. I’d like to reassure you that with a basic, common sense plan you can develop a presence in social media that will not be overwhelming.
- You don’t have to participate everywhere or anywhere. It is your choice where you would like to become visible. If you plan to participate on Twitter, then take time to do it wisely. Engage with others during your Twitter time. Don’t just promote your latest blog post or talk about your daily special or shout about your latest accomplishment. Self-serving behavior on Twitter can translate to negative feelings towards your business.
- If you do choose to take an active role in social media, use common sense. The same principles apply online as they would in every day social occurrences. You wouldn’t walk into a networking event and shove your business flyer into the hands of everyone in the room, would you? Then don’t do it on Facebook or LinkedIn and especially not on Twitter!
- What’s your plan? Think about what your ability to commit to social media. It takes time to engage and get a response from your audience. Are you willing to listen to the conversations of others?
- Have fun! Social media is more than just a way to do business “out there” … be prepared to meet new friends along the way!
