Pay Attention to the Elephant in the Room
I blogged a while ago about Twitter. Then I wasn’t so convinced about its potential as a business tool. However, I’ve seen the light and not only about Twitter.
I’ve been using Facebook for a while, as a way of connecting with friends now scattered to the four corners. Recently though, I discovered that you can use Facebook for creating a page for your business (for free). One of my customers is now a fan of Sensei on Facebook, no doubt others will follow. He will receive updates on all our events in a way that suits him. I’ve received (free) technical advice about how to fix computer problems from both former colleagues and tecchie friends via Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn has now become a useful tool for keeping up to date with former colleagues – even my mum is on there and my uncle writes a blog!
So, can these tools be of real use in the business world? I’m hooked on the potential. I’m excited by the possibility that we could begin to connect with more customers in a way that suits their lifestlye and interests. Of course, website, magazines, email, networking meetings and word-of-mouth continue, but this is in addition. And, you don’t have to be a nerd to learn how to use it; you may become one though (oo!).
I’ve started on a small scale, with a few events at QUB to gauge interest, Welcome to the Blogosphere: Blogging for Beginners and Social Networking.
And, after attending a networking event last night, organised by BEN, I realised that while some people are promoting it as a new way for businesses to interact with others, they are a very small minority.
So, I have taken up the torch.
If that’s the only type of conversations you have, then you’re sad! (my business partner).
I don’t really know much about technology… (older person).
Isn’t that just for teenagers?
Blogging’s only for people who are really into themselves… [as we say here in Northern Ireland]
OK, I get the deal. It would of course be incredibly sad (in the true sense of the word) if you were only to have conversations online. But, that is not what using social networking is about. It is not some master ploy to make us all laptop-bound. HOWEVER, if you are at all concerned about marketing your product or want your service to reach a wider audience and you have not got masses of gold on which to draw for television/internet or other advertising, then you’d better sit up straight.
Facebook, blogs, Youtube and the like are here. Now. They may no longer be here next year, but they are now. Are you ignoring the elephant in the room? Read Groundswell if you don’t believe me. Their advice? ‘…learn to ride the wave’.
If you were selling your house, wouldn’t you have it presented in such a way as to make it look as appealing as possible to a potential client?
Then, why do you remain with the traditional (and invariably expensive) methods of getting your good news out there? 80% of businesses in Northern Ireland are small businesses, employing less than five people. Do you have a massive advertising budget? No and neither do I.
That’s why I’m encouraging you to at least investigate what social networking can do for you.
Later.
