Over the last several months I've noticed that when people ask me what I do, and I reply "I'm a Social Media Strategist," I get replies something similar to this: "I created a Facebook account, but I have no idea what to do with it" or "I don't have time to sit in front of the computer all day playing around on all these social media sites.
" There are so many misconceptions about Social Media when it comes to growing your business.
The fact is, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
) is the new way to engage your clients.
If you don't embrace it, you will be leaving money on the table that your competitor will be more than happy to pick up.
Additionally, if you go about implementing it haphazardly, that is exactly the kind of results you will get back...
haphazard.
Many seasoned business owners say "What happened to good old fashioned networking and building relationships?" Well, this is networking and building relationships, only on-line instead of in person.
So, instead of going to 4 in-person networking events next month, go to two really good ones and then take the time you would have used going to the other two and spend it on-line.
It not only doesn't cost you anything, it is a savings in gasoline and the cost of a lunch...
not to mention a money maker from the relationships you will be developing.
Not sure where to start? Below are a few tips to keep in mind:

• You want to be where your clients are and that is on-line.
  Log into forums that focus on your business, i.
  e.
  ,if you sell cars, go onto car forums; if you sell wigs, go onto forums that discuss thinning hair; if you sell beer, go onto beer/wine forums.
  Start by "listening in", answering questions and offering advice.
  Never say "stop by my store or office and I will take care of you.
  " People don't like it when you are pushy.
  They are looking for good advice for free.
  Set yourself up as the expert.
  You can list your website as part of your signature in case they want to find you.
  After a few visits to the forum, people will start to recognize your name and say "Hey, this person really knows his/her stuff.
  I am going to contact them.
  "


• Don't try to implement every social media site at once.
  You can get a lot out of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube, but if you try to be good at all of them all at once, you will be overwhelmed and either quit or not do a good job at any of them.
  


• Seek the advice of someone you know that is particularly good at one of the above.
  They will be more than happy to tell you how they use the tool to increase sales...
  or as an alternative, local libraries and on-line webinars have trainings regularly on Social Media.
  


• Make sure you have a plan.
  Social Media is serious marketing.
  The ROI is very high.
  Don't just "try this" and "try that.
  " If you are not sure where to start, again, seek out someone who is doing it well and ask for some advice.
  Social Media Experts are becoming more available as the technology develops.
  Map out a plan for best results.
  


• Don't forget to include Mobile Technologies like text message marketing, mobile advertising and mobile landing pages in your plan.
  Everyone uses their smart phone for everything.
  They are not content to wait until they get home on their computer.
  People will go to a business that is easily found and accessed from their phone.
  If your competition hasn't already implemented it, they will be soon.
  Better to be the trend setter than to be the one trying to play catch-up.
  

In summary, print advertising is declining as a means for reaching your target market.
In person networking is still very effective but many businesses don't lend themselves to this form of marketing and advertising.
The old adages are still true -- "People buy from People", "Location, Location, Location" -- make sure you are found in these new social media locations and make sure you are building relationships through them.