Comments on: 10 Rules for Small Business and Social Networks

By: Jack Speranza

Jack Speranza — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:29:06 +0000

Gary — such simple truths, yet amazing how likely they are to be missed by the “crowds.” Have you ever assessed the value of social media outside target market engagement? Specifically, I’ve often pondered the extent to which social media participation can help enhance brand exposure and SEO — even if your audience isn’t frequently on those platforms or otherwise becoming “engaged.” Any thoughts on this?

By: Gary Barber

Gary Barber — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:44:10 +0000

@Brandon – So many of the social media experts on twitter are the snake oil salesmen that small business needs to watch out for. Some even have track records for very shady unethical and illegal activities, just the person you want helping you with your business in a new medium. I think not.

By: Brandon R Allen

Brandon R Allen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:39:27 +0000

People who claim to be “social media experts” really get pissed about #7. If you look through Twitter about half of the people on there are experts in social media.

#2 is so critical in any marketing campaign. You need to understand how it fits within your company culture and how you can best utilize for existing and potential clients. Too many utilize social network platforms without any real game plan for success.

Enjoyed the post.

By: michele smorgon

michele smorgon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:33:23 +0000

Enjoyed this Post Gary,well done!

I would like to add to Item 4:
The client or consumer is always in control, with online social media, their reaction or adaptation is immediate … this could present challenges for the social media consultant, particularly if the other points herein are not embraced.
Suggestion – Share buttons

By: Frank Strong

Frank Strong — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:31:36 +0000

I agree, there is shortage of advice for businesses looking to tap social media to enhance their profile and brand. Sometimes we learn best by learning from others and to that end, here’s a quick look at one hard-hitting small business in the DC area that is making in-roads in the social media world: http://twurl.nl/ltnhcs

By: Sue Waters

Sue Waters — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:15:24 +0000

Both of you make excellent points.

I remind people all the time to think about how you interact f2f. To make remember that normal banter & small talk is an important part of f2f conversations and is just as important online.

But as you say Gary online can be more damning because you lose the whole reading people’s body language. People can easily misinterpret what you are saying. Humor is more easily taken wrongly. Also based on whole long they have interacted with you online can influence how they interpret the conversation.

By: Gary Barber

Gary Barber — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:32:32 +0000

@James – Totally James, people often don’t get that online, they think its just the Web and they can forget about it. The only difference is that online the reaction to something can be more damning than face 2 face.

By: James Bull

James Bull — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:28:50 +0000

Great post Gary.

The principles of successful business networking using online social media are pretty much the same as the principles of successful face-to-face business networking.

Honesty, integrity, establishing quality links, being interested in what the other person wants….what’s good for people is good for websites too.