Simple answer you would think? Yes, it makes sense really doesn’t it. The Social Media craze is sweeping the world and has taken over traditional media to a large degree, in terms of it’s immediateness and impact and knowledge sharing and networking. Iran, Mumbai, Patrick Swayze, Haiti, Michael Jackson etc etc. were all first broken to the wider world via social media. So if the world is so in tune with Social Media then why wouldn’t business benefit from having some presence in order to stay “more in tune” with their consumer/client base?
The 2 biggest negative comments or worries that I have heard is that Social Media is just what Ashton Kutcher had for lunch (ie Twitter) or that we are worried that someone will say something bad about us or it gives them a greater chance to, all social media. Firstly, the wonderful thing about Social Media is that you get to choose who you follow/track/watch, you can always opt out of receiving some ones updates or life story.
Secondly, and really the answer to the second response is pretty simple. If you are worried about people saying negative comments regarding your business then 2 things, not being on Social Media isn’t going to stop that, and secondly the issues in your business that they are suggesting should be something that you look at. Isn’t it best to know what the market is saying and either prevent or react to these issues then to not know at all. Ignorance is not bliss.
Regardless of what angle you wish to use social media from, recruitment, consumer, networking, new business generation, customer service etc etc. you are doing yourself, and your business a disservice by not utilising the tools that the broader community today are all over.
Whats your thoughts? Should every company have some Social Media presence?
I think businesses that ignore social media as “just another fad” will soon find themselves playing catchup with their competitors. People want to support businesses that are accessible and that respond to their needs. Great customer service is imperative to anyone trying to make money and without social media presence you’re leaving the opportunity for great customer service on the table.
I do believe that someday, not having a social media presence will be akin to not having a website. Unheard of.
I agree and think that every company have some Social Media presence these days as it shows participation and transparency. Clearly the best people are not going to want to work for a company that is behind the times. The key is to select the right social media channels for the right audiences that you are looking to target and to do it properly. If a company is not going to do it properly then they should not bother as will cause more harm than good. The other commentor makes a valid point, soon it will be akin to not having a website – so its only a matter of time really.
Kelly and Robin, thanks for your comments. It is a little surprising that companies don’t want to be transparent but perhaps they really do have something to hide and moving forward that will be how they will be judged, not a positive approach you would think.
And I 100% agree with you both that any company without some presence will be like a company not having a website, crazy indeed and unheard of, well we can hope anyway.
Thanks for your comments.
Every company is a stretch and a huge generalisation I think. It depends on the company, surely. Yes, it is the industry we are in, and yes I do believe in the concept, and yes, it is an industry that some of us will make money from. But is it for everyone? I think it is a bit arrogant and presumptious to think so. Just because we think it is a good idea (by we I mean the majority of people who will read this blog or care about my comment) doesn’t mean that it is the same for everybody. If it becomes the norm, maybe, just maybe you could stand out by not having one, and actually dealing with people and customers or a face to face, voice to voice basis (heaven forbid)
Companies who won’t put the effort and thought into it, shouldn’t have one either! They will do themselves no favours by just having one because everyone else has one and giving it little or no effort.
Do I think my local newsagent or Fish n Chip shop need a Social Media presence.. no, would I care.. no, would I be interested if they tweeted or retweeted me? not really. This is why I answered “no” in the Sofa conversation. Also, I can’t just agree with everything