You are now officially out of excuses. Social media is here to stay, and if you’re not on board, your business may be left behind. Even presidents and CEOs who previously had no idea of the major impact social media could offer are realizing the importance of timely and direct customer interaction.
Blue Technologies started incorporating social media in their business practices over a year ago. At first it was to have an online presence in each social media channel. However, they needed to get more out of it.
Blue Technologies brought in a recent college graduate to serve as a marketing intern. It was natural that they assigned her to take over the social media outlets, because she had already been using them in her personal life, and it was an easy cross-over to business social media. From there she was able to teach the staff how beneficial these programs could be to the company and how to utilize them in their sales efforts.
The social media world was meant to be fun, hip and young, but with its ever-growing popularity, all generations of employees must get on board. The ability to connect to current and new audiences and attracting them to your brands is priceless. Incorporating Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter in your advertising materials and websites is a simple and cost-effective way to send your message to places you never could have before.
It’s true that young people invented social media and are generally the ones that eat, drink and breathe it. And yes, they might be the only ones who truly get it and are able to use it to its full potential, but that’s only because they have made social media a part of their everyday lives. All it takes is a little time and effort and you too can become proficient in social media.
It’s not a secret that younger generations want to showcase their social media skills — it makes them feel important; like they have something to offer since they don’t have much — if any — real life work experience. Companies would be well-served to take advantage of this enthusiasm to enhance and grow business. Bringing in a younger person to spearhead your social media efforts is win-win. You get all the benefits of a social media presence, and for the employee, social media is not a job, it’s fun.
Also, utilizing social media as a means for research has cut down the amount of time one has to spend looking for information to provide to current/future customers, as well as potential job candidates. Connecting the social media generation to the baby boomers allows for an easy transition of being able to share knowledge from one generation to the next.
Social media isn’t our future, it’s already here. Embracing social media is a way that all generations can come together and learn how to better understand and better improve business practices.
For more on social media and business:
Social media and recruiting
Social media and marketing
The changing role of salespeople
Kelly Waite is the Marketing & Database Manager of Blue Technologies. Reach her at (216) 271-4800 or [email protected]. Visit Blue Technologies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
