How to approach social media? It depends.
Social media is absolutely the wave of the future, and you will need to know something about it as some point. However, whether you work it into your plan for 2009 depends on your goals. If you have a goal of increasing your reach to prospects either locally or internationally, you can do
Social Marketing quite effectively through social media. However, if you can cannot and will not commit to learning how to "tweet" on Twitter or communicate on Facebook or use your connections on LinkedIn, Social Media will not be worth your time.
From politicians, businesses, musicians, celebrities and many other groups of people - use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social networking outlets to spread their message, build their businesses and connect with others.
Do they know something we don't?
As with anywhere you spend your time, knowing why you are doing it, how you will measure success and having a plan is the best approach.
1. There Is No Cost
There is no direct cost unless you opt for an upgrade, if one is offered. I haven't paid for an upgrade and have steadily increased my list to include over 1000 followers between just three social media outlets, and without much effort.
2. Build Your Business by Connecting With Peers
Are you interested in finding joint ventures, affiliates, guest experts or other peers you can bounce ideas off of? Business owners just like you are using social media to connect with others who are interested in using your articles, hosting you as a guest expert on tele-seminars, webinars and live events, and even creating projects together!
3. Build Business by Following Reporters You Are Targeting
Would an article written by a certain reporter make your year? Follow them on Twitter or Facebook and see what is of interest to them and what they are writing about. You never know what golden nugget you'll find by following them online that may open the door at the right time. Follow them and invite them to follow you as well! Or with LinkedIn you can find out how many degrees you are from them. You may surprise yourself by being only one or two degrees away from your target!
4. Show Expertise, Build Platform and Attract New Clients
Social media is an interesting animal. While many people use it to increase their businesses, you must be mindful about outright promotions. Generally speaking, heavy marketing of your products and services on these sites is a big.
5. Reach Large Audiences
The world is your oyster in social media. There are only a few businesses that are truly limited by geographic boundaries, especially if you are in the information marketing business. Being active on social networking sites eliminates geographic boundaries and allows you to reach a vast number of people from all over the world. If you have products and services that can be purchased by anyone in the world, being active in social media is an absolute must for you