Social Media, It’s a new world…
Posted by Jay Soshnick on Tue, Jun 01, 2010 @ 07:01 AM
The Internet continues to change the way businesses operate. New applications are being utilized to prospect, manage relationships and deliver results.
After the Internet boom, media stories were written about what would be the next "big thing."
The "big thing" is Social Media, and how it will increasingly change the way we do business.
Businesses are in the midst of great transformation. Everything centers around information:
- How to find it, manage it and use it effectively.
Before the Internet, businesses were establishing target lists through cold-calling and attending trade shows.
Email and dynamic websites have changed that by allowing us to "touch greater numbers in less time."
The Internet is a two-way communication media that is changing the game dramatically.
It's not about who you know anymore... It's about "who can find you."
With the ease and low cost of information access today prospects want to feel very comfortable with you before they conduct business. They want to trust you!!!
We all know the best way to obtain new business is still through a referral. However, for new prospects that may not know who you are they seek a professional who is credible and who can deliver.
Prospects will want to check you out before doing business. What does your "digital footprint" say about you? Have you Googled your business name lately?
We never get a second chance to make a first impression. Therefore, you must make a name for yourself before you talk to prospects.
Today, businesses must do this with effective use of marketing, PR and social media:
- Marketing is a multi-step process to build your name in the minds of prospects. It typically takes 6 to 8 "touches" before a client remembers you.
- PR is about gaining visibility in the media; by being quoted in traditional (newspapers, magazines, TV) or new (electronic, blogs) media.
- Social media involves two-way communication with LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Key objectives are to build your business profile and expand your network.
Social media requires you to be proactive and continually plant seeds which will enable branding and greater name recognition.
Social media enables branding, broadcasting, and engagement.
When done right, the potential pay-off could be huge.