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?
