How Social is Your Business?
Posted by Bill Hirte on Tue, Dec 21, 2010
The time of New Year’s and its inevitable resolutions is nearing. Have you given any thought to what you’re going to do? I usually have a couple, that way I if I break one I have another to fall back on! I think this year I’ll separate them into themes too; I’ll make a personal resolution and a professional resolution.
What are they you ask? Well, the personal one I’m still wo
rking on. There are the classics – eat healthier, lose weight, save more money, etc. They’re all important, but they feel so mundane and I can almost guarantee you by Easter I will have quit. I just love those Sweet Tart chicks and ducks! However, the professional one I’ve chosen. I am going to be more social! Not social as in I don’t like to talk with my colleagues, but social as in social marketing!
My resolution may not come as a surprise to many. I mean it’s something I’ve already been thinking about and working on in some respect. Take this blog for example. But the goal is to step it up several notches. I know I’m not the only one; although I may be the first to officially classify my commitment as a 2011 resolution. According to IDC, an IT Research firm, small and medium-sized businesses will use social networking to "establish a free online presence that improves their ability to acquire, engage, and retain customers.”
I’m clearly a part of one of those businesses IDC is referring to. And to tell the truth, I’m excited about what being social means. It is a great way for us to engage in conversations with our customers; whether they are past, present, or future. Being the numbers nerd I am I’m intrigued to see what kind of reputation (and ROI) my new social presence will bring me; but even though they say it’s difficult to measure, it’s a challenge I am ready to take on. Plus, now that I’ve told all of you about it I have to follow through right?!
What about you? What resolutions are you planning for 2011? Are any of you working on a social media strategy?