What is the number one thing holding small business owners away from using social media? I will give you an example.
Brandswag: “So.. that is basically what social media can bring your business. It is a broadcast/communication medium that will turn your leads just a little warmer. What do you think?”
Small Biz Owner: “This sounds great. It really does. I just don’t have the time to spend on using the tool.”
It always seems to be time. This is not an issue for the larger companies we work with at Brandswag. They have the resources to hire either outside consultants or in-house people to act out their social media campaigns. What many small business owners fail to understand is that they have the personality that will win them business in the long run. It is harder for large companies to have individual personalities show through.
As a small business you have a huge opportunity to leverage social media as a relationship and lead generation tool. You have to make the time. You are a small business owner! You knew this was going to be more difficult then being an employee… you knew this was a bigger time commitment then the 9-5. Be responible.
If you do not respect social media… it will not return the favor.
And by respect… I mean spending time on the medium. Manage your time effectively and you will see return.
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If I had a nickel for every time I’ve had this conversation with small and mid-sized business owners…I’d be, well, spending more time blogging, I suppose.
But I digress.
This is an excellent and important point to make. Social Media presents a HUGE opportunity for small businesses to make an impact BECAUSE they are small — they’re nimble, they’re quick to react and more flexible to maneuver. I even wonder if their size gives them an edge because they have less red tape to cut through that the big companies ( http://www.graymatterminute.com/2009/03/24/corporate-social-media-v-small-business-social-media/ ).
I like to remind people that there was a time when small businesses didn’t think web sites were important…you know, static, simple Web 1.0 web sites. And now? That’s old school. Web 2.0 is moving into Web 3.0, so what is a small business doing sitting on the social sidelines?
As with anything in life, saying “I don’t have time” is really saying “I’m not willing to make the time.” And if that’s where you are, so be it…but, by all means, be honest and call it like it is.
Because when something is important you MAKE time for it. If I were a small business, (which I am), I suppose I’d rather be out in front on things that are important in reinforcing a stronger brand reputation and a loyal customer/client base in a medium that is sure to evolve and isn’t going away. But maybe that’s just me. I’m funny that way.
Lastly, I can’t help but mention the low cost of entry here. The only cost, initially, is your time. I say, when it comes to staying ahead of your competition, that’s money…er, time well spent.
Blog on, Mr. Lacy. Keep on fighting the good fight, socially speaking.
Best,
Renee Lemley
@usegraymatter on twitter