It seems like with every blog I frequent, the topics covered have morphed into a social media cornucopia of delights. The topic used to just be “social media” …now it’s subdivided and multiplied into a number of sub-topics within the larger umbrella.  From video marketing and distribution to Social media tools; social media training and advertising to integrating social media and traditional media, the list is endless.  And despite all of this activity and buzz, there are many thousands of companies out there – large and small that are still resisting it.

Why?  Because resisting an idea is human nature 101.  Even for some of those who like to be out in front.  And I surmise it’s more of an issue in America, where it seems we are always wondering, regardless of what it is — How can I turn this great idea into cash?  Oh yeah, that ROI thing.  Maybe social media will finally help place “building a community” and “establishing a brand” above ROI once and for all. (where they should be). Whether we are talking about Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, your blog – it’s all the same.  Embrace them now and they will love you back.

So, how can you benefit from Social Media content?

• Build relationships
• Provide thought leadership
• Respond to customers
• Improve search engine rankings
• Use in conjunction with media exposure
• Platform for Promotions and Contests
• Ultimately, improve sales

But let’s be fair, it isn’t just the ROI issue which stops companies from jumping in with social media.  In fact, there are a number of other issues that various surveys cite including lack of knowledge, lack of executive resistance, etc.

The bottom line: Social Media is about influence, connection and brand.  When considering this, it’s important to ask a few key questions: Who is your audience?  Who will you connect with?  What’s your strategy?  These are all things that you want to think about and plan for.  If you haven’t done it yet, get yourself a calendar and start mapping out what you want to do.

The great thing about social media is that we are able to do things that we’ve never done before, more efficiently, at a higher level. Through these platforms we can facilitate new relationships, new conversations, positive influence and close customer interaction…All at a faster rate than ever before.

If you’re old enough to remember what life was like before the Internet, all this stuff used to happen at conferences, the workplace or through a social service group or association.  My, how times have changed. And for the better!  Social media is taking us to exciting places.

How is social media content working for you?

Popularity: 15%