How to Explain Business Social Media to Your Boss Who Doesn't Get It

Social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and others can be used as business tools to build relationships and communicate with customers.

These social media sites are staples in the diet of any individual who is using the web for personal or business purposes. However, there are still many people who underestimate the power of social media, and therefore are unaware of the great power of these tools.

Social media is to today like television was to the 1950s and 60s...

• Follow Celebrities: We used to watch American Bandstand, and now we follow Ashton Kutcher on Twitter.
• Watch Ads: We used to sing the ad songs for big companies, and now today we interact with those ads through games, quizzes, and apps on Facebook.
• Get Together: We used to gather together around the television to watch big events, like the landing on the moon, and now we get together virtually over the internet via live video streaming, Facebook, instant messaging and Skype.

Social media is really not that different than previous technologies. It's just one more way to bring the world and people closer together! (Granted... people are not necessarily closer in proximity, but they are more involved and knowledgeable about what's happening in others' lives.)

Facebook is like A Business Party After Work

Just like business parties, a business on facebook hosts a location (called a Facebook Business Page) and invites people to come (called Fans or Likes). The conversations at the party (posted on the Facebook Page Wall) are a mix of work-related topics, great deals, insightful tips and industry/company news. The tone at the virtual party is conversational in tone, rather than professional. All in all, a Facebook Business Page closely resembles a business party after work. Be sure to claim a Facebook Business Page for your company and create a plan for what you want to post and discuss with your fans/likes.

Twitter is like The Old Water Cooler

Just like the water cooler, Twitter is a bunch of short conversations with various people throughout the day. The topics are a mixture of things, from national, local or company news, to tips, ideas, advice and gossip about others. Create a Twitter account to join the conversations, find out what others are saying about you, and start promoting your own ideas.

LinkedIn is a Professional Networking Event

Just like networking events, we come strictly for business. We dress professionally, discuss professional topics, and grow our professional network. You might want to encourage people at your company to create a profile on LinkedIn to represent your company, network with customers and offer free advice to gain expert status. You should also create a company profile and invite people to follow your company.

YouTube is like Open Mic Night

Just like an open mic, there are some people that just want to be a star! Most people want 15 minutes of fame, and YouTube has provided them that opportunity. Simply upload a video of yourself and you might become an overnight sensation! Businesses and nonprofits can also use this opportunity to gain visibility as well. Create a YouTube Channel and start uploading your videos. If you use the right titles and descriptions, you can gain tons of traffic and video views!

Do you have other analogies or ideas of how to compare today's social media to yesterday's technologies? Please post them below!

Comments (0)

Write comment

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment