Social Media for Business Managers

As a business manager or key decision maker, it is absolutely vital you make 2013 the year to learn about social media and adopt social media as a necessary tool used as part of your business success strategy.

We are not talking about connecting with long lost cousins on Facebook or catching up on the latest celebrity gossip on Twitter.  Social Media for Business is NOT the same as Social Media for pleasure. One grows your social circle, the other grows your business".

The focus for business managers (in relation to social media) should be networking and building relationships. Seeking out business opportunities , key stakeholders in your industry, possible strategic partners, and promoting your expertise via social media is paramount to future success. 

So, as a business manager how do you go about commencing your social media journey? Your first port of call is Linkedin. 

1. Create a profile and use a quality image for your profile pic.
2. Ensure your profile is detailed, interesting and sells your expertise. This is no place to be modest. The goal is to stand out from the crowd.
3. Next step in Linkedin is to 'Join Groups' (click on Groups in your Linkedin toolbar, select Groups You May Like). Be clever. If you want to learn from peers, join groups where other industry professionals offer education and advice. However, if you are at a stage in your career where your expertise is intellectual property, then you are a 'value adder'. Join groups who can benefit from your expertise. Comment on discussions often. Don't be arrogant, simply remain factual and offer quality. You can also be the first to share industry updates and news, this too will create quite a following for you.
4. Don't be afraid to reach out and invite others from your industry to connect with you. 

If social media is something, as a career professional, you have wondered about, then it is time to take the plunge and learn. It could well be the best business decision you make in 2013 (and it can be quite a buzz too!).

Need lessons is Social Media Mastery? Email our social media team today!

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No Social Media? No Small Business

2013 is the year Small Business Owners must understand that without social media a business will not remain competitive. There are still stories of successful businesses who are thriving without the implementation of social media, though these are far and few between and the question is how long can they keep it up?

Kudos to spinsucks.com for the image

Social Media does not consist of simply logging on to Facebook, posting a few inspirational quotes, getting one or two 'Likes' then going about your working day as per usual. Social Media is a way of marketing your business to the masses. Social Media provides a small business with the ability to reach a new customer base and build an online brand profile that kicks ass. However, taken lightly or managed incorrectly social media will not help your business, and this is why hundreds of small business owners have abandoned social media marketing altogether.

So, what exactly should small business do in 2013 to incorporate Social Media into their business growth strategy? Firstly, take Social Media seriously. Stop thinking of Social Media as a playground for the outspoken and attention seeking. Social Media for business is a completely different ballgame.

Small Business owners need to learn about Social Media, attend workshops and, if able, employ the services of a social media strategist to assist with building a successful online profile. Small Business owners must also define goals for the next 12 months and ensure Social Media is used as a tool to help achieve those goals.

There are simply too many Small Businesses embracing the benefits of social media for any business to think they do not need to get on board and positively manage social media as part of their overall operations and long term survival strategy.

If you happen to be a small business owner who knows it is time to invest in social media but are unsure where to begin, please email Tracey Munn, Accountant and Social Media Strategist, to consult with your business in early 2013.

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Social Media - Is it Really Worth It?

Many small business owners refuse to invest in social media marketing (or worse, ask their kids to do it because they can use Facebook!). In fact, Australia has one of the highest number of small business owners refusing to engage in social media to promote their business.

At my social media consultancy we still speak to small business owners who think that social media is a waste of time. Crazy stuff.
With 85% of business decision makers finding a service online, why would any business owner fail to implement a strategic online marketing campaign? In our experience it is not the price but the lack of understanding as to how social media works.

The team at Small Business Gurus will not only answer any questions you have about social media, our Social Media Mastery Techniques will improve your business while teaching you, or your employees, how to ensure social media remains a large part of your ongoing success plan.

For more information about our Social Media Services email the Small Business Gurus Social Media Team. 

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Small Business and Social Media in 2013

The question is not whether you should be using Social Media to promote your business in 2013, the question should be "is your Social Media Plan for 2013 ready yet?"
Quite simply, if your small business has not yet embraced social media as a significant part of your business development strategy then you risk not having a business by 2015.

Social Media is not about playing on Facebook or posting bits of useless information on Twitter. Social Media, in relation to business, is far more significant that that. In fact, to compare the two - social media for personal and business - is possibly a little naive.

Social Media creates new business relationships, sales leads and brand recognition. No to mention providing you with the ability to stay on top of industry news and developments before your competition.


Why a Social Media Plan?
Planning makes the world go round (actually it's money but a little poetic licence never hurt anyone).
Seriously though, a plan will ensure your goals are set into action. A social media plan will save you time by setting a clear social media schedule, knowing what you will promote and when. If April is your quiet time then plan for March and April to really seek new business by promoting via social media.


Where to Start?
If you have made the decision to make social media a serious part of your business in 2013 your first step is to develop a solid Social Media Plan. You can click here to grab your FREE social media plan from Hubspot, or contact our social media team for assistance and support.

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