The World Of Social Media Is All Around You: Use It To Your Advantage

Everyday it seems another social media site is created. It might feel overwhelming as you try to keep track of the ever-changing landscape of the Web.

But in this age of online business, it's more important than ever to be aware of the changes that are taking place and learn how they can help you and your business grow.

“Social media” to many folks means Facebook, Twitter, and maybe LinkedIn. But, believe it or not, these three sites are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are thousands of sites out there that can be considered social media sites. These online communities offer a great opportunity to make connections through mutual interests in a personal hobby like golf, cooking, or exercise. You name the topic and there's probably a social media site for it. There are stand-alone sites and sites connected to the Web sites of niche magazines. Nearly every day a new community springs to life on the Web.

And, these new social sites offer great opportunities to expand your business.

Don't feel overwhelmed. It really only takes some time and old-fashioned detective work to connect to hundreds of communities where people are interested in discussing your interests. Take a few minutes each day to explore sites that might help you expand your reach. Maybe you'll even discover places where you want to buy some “targeted” advertising.

Tackling this ever-changing new dimension of the business world might seem like a daunting task, but its vastness shouldn't deter you from jumping in. View it as an opportunity to make more contacts, have some fun, learn, and share your expertise.

Your hard work might even turn up some new customers. The ball's in your court; the information is out there. It's up to you to take it and run with it.

The Conversation Turns Ugly Online. What's Your Next Step?

Facebook is an inexpensive and effective way of spreading the word about your products and company. It's a great tool for gathering input from your customers, for hearing what they have to say. But be prepared. What they have to say may not be all good.

With social media like Facebook and Twitter, you've got to be willing and prepared to receive and engage with folks about the good and the bad. The scathing criticism. The negative critique of your product. Even the unsubstantiated rumor.

When those kinds of comments appear on your Facebook page, do NOT delete them. Remember, social media is a conversation. It's an open forum that needs to be respected as such.

Don't ignore negative comments. (And, a word of caution here: you can appear to ignore negative comments because you're not paying attention, so keep a watchful eye.)

Think of negative comments as an opportunity. Step back, seriously analyze what the negative comment is really saying. Develop a strategy for addressing your critic. And jump into the discussion.

Don't be defensive. Realize instead that this is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate that your company really cares about what its customers think. If you're really interested in serving them better, this is the time to show that.

As you engage in an open, online discussion with your critic, you might just discover something that could be done better. When you do, take steps to improve your product or service, then go back online and tell your fans about it – and thank the critic for bringing it to your attention.

A critical comment could be the beginning of many interactions with your fans/customers as they see that you not only “talk the talk” of social media engagement, but “walk the walk” of truly engaging in a conversation. And, as other customers chime in with their unsolicited, positive comments about your company, you'll benefit from a third party endorsement that is invaluable.