WE'VE encountered many business people who - truth be told - are quite suspicious or scared of getting involved in social media.
In part, this can be down to their level of knowledge or understanding of what it's all about, or they may worry about any negative connotations.
They want to know how much time it needs and what their return on investment will be.
We cover these most pressing of topics in our Intermediate Social Media workshops. But for now, as we are putting together an exclusive beginners' package for Business over Breakfast, we would like to remember first things first.
Here are five tips we reckon are small steps to help demystify social media for small business.
1. Anyone calling themselves an expert or guru, probably isn't. This is such a fast-moving, emerging phenomenon that there's already lots of noise made by people trying to make a quick profit by persuading others that there are rigid rules governing the use of social media and their way is the best or only way. But, as I hope the following points help show, that isn't really the case, save using a bit of common sense.
2. Don't be blinded by the technology, remember that this is quite simply a way of communicating. Yes really, it's as simple as that. I am quite possibly the least technically proficient person you could meet, but even I can find my way around Twitter and the blogging platform Typepad.
3. Quit concentrating on how long you are worrying it takes and think about the benefits. Of course it is going to take time to build up a meaningful presence on social media. But the benefits are huge. Sounds obvious doesn't it? And well, I would say that. But again, think of it as a means of communication. If you are passionate about your message, isn't it important to get it out there?
4. People buy off people, even online. How many times have you heard friends or associates at networking events utter a version of this somewhat immortal cliche? Quite a few, I'd be willing to bet. So, when you venture into social media, remember that just as you wouldn't steam on in at a networking meeting to scare people witless with an aggressive sales pitch, nor would you do this in a social media environment. Relax, be yourself and be interesting. Give people a reason to follow or engage with you - that's what counts.
5. It's all about community In real life, why do you go to business networking meetings? If you go to pummel others into submission with your amazing sales pitch every minute you are there, you will fail miserably. But you can also find contacts, learn interesting stuff and generally talk with pride about your products or services. Crucially, you also listen to others and may even do them the odd favour! The end result? People know you and your company, you build a community around it. It's exactly the same with social media. Sounds easy, doesn't it?
Why not give it a go? You may just find it is...
If you do want to know more, please contact Carol Garrington: Carol[at]passionatemedia.co.uk
* Check out our beginners' jargon buster and recommended further reading here.
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