What is Social Media and Why Does It Work for Business?

Through my searches for good social media content, I came across this awesome video. Its a good story that breaks social media down in a pretty simple way.

Social media allows business owners to establish individuality in the marketplace, brand themselves relatively easily and pinpoint their niche clients. Direct marketing, and ‘Blast’ marketing allow you to target a group of people, but social media gives you the opportunity to target specific customers that you know have some degree of interest in your product or service.

So what are you waiting for? Get your ticket to Scoopsville today!

Do My Employees Need Social Media?

Recently, while talking about social media with a client, the topic of empowering employees with social media as a business strategy was discussed. Allowing employees to share their company affiliation and actively exchange information in such an open and informal way initially gives a lot of business owners an uneasy feeling and with good reason. Its tough to monitor the content employees are delivering via social media outlets: Ask Dominos Pizza.

The reality is that social media is open to anyone and a motivated person can do something malicious whether they are an employee or angry customer. That being said, there is a tremendous benefit to your company by giving employees access to tools that show them how to use social media to promote what they do both directly and indirectly.

If you have a website, one of the most notable affects social media can have on your online presence is inbound linking. Having each employee posting a link to your website from their social media profile adds relevance to your site which is good for SEO.

Also, employees social networking on your company’s behalf increases the amount of exposure of your business, essentially expanding your sales force and in many cases a sense of taking ownership of the company’s mission to grow and expand via the internet develops.

There’s no real way to monitor all content being put out, however, there are steps business owners can take to protect themselves against social media smearing by irresponsible or disgruntled employees.

1.  Create a clear detailed company policy on social media usage and ensure this policy is given to all employees and agreed upon with a signature.  

2. Hold employees accountable who violate this policy as necessary.

3. Flag or report inappropriate, dishonest, or potentially damaging materials to the site that holds the such material. This is key as most sites are generally accommodating to such requests.

Social Media for Network Marketers

One of the primary methods of referral generation in the sales industry has been word of mouth advertising and the perfect example of how to maximize the  potential of this powerful yet simple exposure tool is exhibited by companies that grow via network marketing.

Though often stereotyped as pyramid schemes or scams, Network Marketing or Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)  is actually the ultimate example of large companies actually spreading the wealth around. MLM companies actually allow the sales force to generate the majority of the income; income that unlike most forms of income is residual, meaning it recurring as long as the account is open, and/or the customer is paying for the product. The way the sales force is recruited is though word of mouth advertising. Many people find interest in the products or services, and some see the opportunity to generate income while sharing what they have found with others.

The reality however is that the landscape of sales has changed drastically, and direct selling is becoming more and more taboo as consumers are becoming more aware of the power of options and therefore choice in every marketplace. As a result, even the best MLM-ers are turning to social media as a method of connecting with their friends, and potential clients and business partners.

Social Media provides you with a relaxed atmosphere where you can share your life, but also share what you do, because what you do is also a part of who you are. Having a strong social media portfolio is key to establishing an MLM-er as a real person that friends and potential clients can relate to, not a pushy salesperson only concerned with making a sale.  That makes you someone they can connect with by name, face, and profession.  A powerful trifecta of connections!

Social Media: Relationships not Advertising

Have you ever gone to a car dealership excited about the potential prospects of that new car you’ve been dreaming of only to have that balloon of excitement deflated by the commotion of multiple salespeople ascending on your position? Though we all know that salespeople are there to help and empower us with the information we need to make the right decision, we also know that they are paid commission and paid to provide just enough information to make the sale.

The fact is, consumers are doing more research, and are feeling more empowered when they go to spend every dime of their money. Often, they know what they want, the only missing piece of the puzzle is putting a face with the product. Social media allows sales people to do just that.

Social Media provides you with an outlet to share your life, express your expertise, and make meaningful and relevant connections with friends and potential clients. How many of your friends know what you do? How many would recommend you if they did? The answer is likely most, if not all, and social media allows you a comfortable environment to do that.