How social media can impact your business

Many people are misguided in the assumption that using social media for business is cheap. They couldn't be more incorrect. Take into account the amount of time involved. Creating content whether written, or tech apps for social media is time consuming. And lest anyone in his/her right mind forgets, time=money. If you don't possess good communication skills and have no inkling as to how to implement social media into your marketing, it's best to hire someone who does. So to the innocently ignorant folks who think social media is just something to try and not to be taken seriously as part of marketing efforts-- listen up. Consider every message about your company or products has impact (good or bad) on your company's reputation. Especially in a highly cynical world where self made experts abound, consumer trust is truly at a low. So let's translate this into financial terms. If your company gets stuck with a bad rep, you'll see it in the bottom line. Part of social media is monitoring what's being discussed regarding your company (both good and bad). It's not just creating content, but also listening to your consumer base that is important. You cannot control what's said, you can only behave in a manner that results in positive comments/discussion as well as quickly remedying a bad experience for a customer. In my opinion this is where engaging with customers is crucial. It's not necessarily that the customer wants you central in his/her daily activities, but rather that you take notice of how they've been treated. Especially if they've been treated like crap by one of your company reps and no one has offered a remedy. How many times have you sworn off a favorite restaurant as a result of a disastrous customer service experience? Perhaps if a manager would've intervened and quickly remedied the situation, then you'd continue giving them your business. Or a clothing store where the clerks are chatting away and blatantly ignoring you? You walk out never to return. You may also pass it on to friends and family who decide not to shop there. When someone's pissed off, they'll tell 10 times more people than if they had a positive experience. businesses must never forget this. Of course, there are people who are never pleased regardless how well they're treated. But other than those people, most consumers want to be heard--especially when they're upset--and responded to. Smaller businesses in particular are harder hit by bad word of mouth. But then again, even the big ones are still not immune (remember the motrin drama). So for all the talk about social media and business, don't forget what's most important: the customer.