I recently read a post Going Overboard With Social Media by Brad Ruggles. Throughout the blog I kept trying to form my own opinion on whether or not I agreed or disagree. Instead I found that reluctantly fall in between with no strong yes or no. I can’t say that people or businesses should always use social media but I can’t say they shouldn’t ever either.
headfirst
I do agree that you should look before you leap, don’t merely assume it’s right for you because “everyone” else is doing it. Yes, our culture is obsessed with social media. Our culture loves surrounding itself with new technologies, instant gratifications, easy communication, and fast money. All of these attributes social media boasts upon. My greatest concern for businesses is that people try and do too much at one time. If social media is the way you want to go then have a plan and tread lightly. You don’t wake up one day and run the Boston marathon without training. Same concept applies here. Come up with a strategy, plan your time accordingly and don’t expect instant results (you wouldn’t expect to run 26 miles after a day of training). Social media is evolving and introducing new features all the time. Take it in slowly and choose what will work best for you.
The only major disagreement I had with the post was the advice of not doing it at all. Now, I do think that people just jumping in without any knowledge about social media are just confusing themselves. However, everyone should look into how social media can be utilized. Sometimes you have to try before you just opt-out. Especially, with the phenomenon that social media has become. It may be best to try it first then decide to put your efforts elsewhere. Not doing it at all always leaves the curious “what if” but do realize that’s really not for everyone.
And remember that the best thing you could do with social media is to integrate it in your overall marketing strategy.
Great post! This is very sound advice and you have to respect it from someone making a living in social media!
Thanks Kyle
You make some great points on social media, and here's my 2 cents on a couple of things –
"Don't assume it's right for you because everyone's doing it". – I know quite a few small businesses in very small towns that don't have a tech savvy clientele, so it may not be right for them – yet. For example, my local coffeeshop owner was completely stymied by foursquare, because so few people use smartphones here. But she felt as if she needed to do something with it, and it kind of stressed her out because she didn't know how to use it for her business..
"Sometimes you have to try it before opting out." – (Same business example) I've been trying to help her understand mobile marketing and social media, so that eventually she may make an effort with it before she dismisses it completely. If she doesn't understand it, she won't use it at all. Once she does, if it doesn't help increase her business, stopping is easy (easier than getting started!).
Thanks!
I should clarify – the owner isn't a client, just a super-nice person that I think could use some help.