Social Media - Getting Started Together
Equation Research says two of the biggest business barriers to using social media are lack of knowledge and lack of time. A close third is not knowing how to measure return on investment for social media.
Fortunately, I have solutions for all three barriers..
Let's tackle the first one right away: "We don't know enough about social media to know where to begin." Equation Research says 1/3 of businesses have this problem.
The answer is simple. Start with the Golden Trio - Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Facebook gives you the casual, social element. You can join groups, listen to conversations and be helpful by sharing your expertise. Facebook has also added Professional Profiles to their services, and you can set up a Page for your business.
LinkedIn gives you a business networking arena that spans the globe. When I'm seeking reviewers for a new book, I troll through my LinkedIn network. The great thing is that I can see all the contacts of people in my network.
LinkedIn lets me ask "Joe" for an introduction to "Sally" so I can ask her to review a book. It's very cool.
There are groups here, too. Make a point of participating in the conversations within groups, and visit the Questions area, too. That's separate from the groups. It's a good place to easily, informally share your expertise.
Twitter is the most casual of the three. A tweet on Twitter is like waving at another driver on a country road. It's a nice way to make just a little bit of contact.
Fortunately for us, Twitter is a little more versatile than a wave. You can share links to resources, connect to your blog, and even have conversations (within the limit of 140 characters).
Okay. This gives you where to start.
Obviously there's a lot more to social media than just the Golden Trio. There are well over 300 social media sites listed in the 2010 Social Media Directory - and I didn't include sites from services like Ning.com.
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