Unless you are under a rock without internet or TV, you've heard the words "Social Media" or "Web 2.0." These words are meant to wrap around the whole movement that is happening with the internet and interactive marketing.
The key word I used there was, interactive. The consumer end of any purchase since 2007 has become smarter, savy and web friendly. No longer are they waiting to go to Best Buy or their real estate agent for advice, they are using Google, Twitter and the 1.9million review sites out there.
Where do you fall on that theory? Are you an end consumer, the person they used to come to for advice or possibly the one that does the reviewing for the 1.9million review sites? We all have a place within the Social Media movement. We can all be doers, reviewers and active.
Most business owners aren't being active
They are scared, lacking knowledge and really worried they will do it wrong. As they worry, their competition is trying it or has hired someone to do it for them. They are reaching out to YOUR customers via Twitter, Facebook or even their own website. They have a blog, they are becoming more real to your customer than you are.
Now what?
Start small, get your own Facebook account or twitter username. Talk about what is happening at work, or a thought you are pondering. Become a personality on the web, it doesn't have to be huge but you do have to be alive and active more than once a month. Go to local "tweet ups" or create your own in your business. Invite competition, befriend your neighbors and reach beyond your office door. It takes 30 minutes max a day, but you have to start now or you'll continue the slip and slide as your competition walks forward.
<Ending Rant.>
