by Felix Haufe

Created on: December 01, 2010

THE ONLINE SOCIALIZATION OF BUSINESS – A Beginner’s Guide for Small Businesses to Understand the Impact of Social Media

Business, as we know it, is gone. The change in how people communicate and engage, forces businesses to adapt. Consumers search for answers online and social media makes it easy to share their experiences within their personal networks. If the information is of great value, it has the potential to be carried on through the entire web. The shift to more instant and public communication is new and difficult to understand. People’s perception of what social media really is, is skewed at this time. It’s much more than just updating Facebook and Twitter status which is often misused for narcissistic purposes.

Instead, consider social media as the greatest mass communication tool since the invention of television. Compared to traditional mass communication, social media enables the receiver to question and discuss the sender’s message. For business this means that companies have to engage with consumers, answer their questions and explain why and how they do things the way they do.

“Influential conversations are taking place with or without you. If you’re not part of the conversation, then you’re leaving it to others, and possibly competitors, to answer questions and provide information, whether it’s accurate or incorrect.” (Brian Solis, Social Media Expert)

Successful businesses understand the need to engage with their customers online in authentic and genuine ways. Engaging with people on the web may still seem strange to some. If it’s done right, it can help your business to grow and strengthen your brand. If you are not aware of the underlying responsibilities of social media and don’t have a strategy in place, going social online can only be detrimental to your brand.

What can you do to connect with customers, generate interesting content and participate in conversations without taking the risk of hurting your brand?

1. Increase your marketing reach with listings in ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORIES. It’s crucial for your company to be listed in online directories. Make sure people can find you on all popular search engines. Also include listings that serve your particular industry or niche. Update your information regularly and monitor your listings for customer reviews. Online business directories are easy ways to find and talk about great (and not so great)

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