Did you know that 1 in 8 couples married in the U.S. last year met via social media?

Did you know that 78% of consumer value peer reviews, only 14% value advertising? (Socialnomics)

On Twitter, The Harvard Bookstore says “See you all tonight for our Fall book preview winedown! Awesome upcoming titles. Free booze. 7 pm” (101 characters)

On Facebook, The Palms Restaurant says “You are invited to watch The Palm featured on BRAVO’s Top Chef D.C. tonight, 7/28 @ 9/8c. The show will be on in the bar and our Prime Bites Menu is available. See Top Chef, The Palm, and enjoy $3.50 Bar Bites”
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/videos/a-high-powered-meal

The list can go on and on – the point is that Social Media is not a fad, it is here to stay, it is an intricial part of forward thinking companies marketing plans.

There are many reasons to get your business to begin engaging in social media, a few that stand out for me:

First, the trend for marketing strategies is online – watch the actions being taken by Fortune 500 companies, watch what market kneaders are doing. They all have a presence online and in social media. They are much smarter than me and have more money for market research so I am going to work smarter not harder and hop on the movement.

Second, as consumers continue to be bombarded with product and services, they are becoming inundated with information and an infinity of choices. Social media can set your business apart from the rest of the competition by creating a relationship with the consumer. By allowing them to experience your brand online, at no cost, can build a relationship that can later lead to conscious or subconscious buying behaviors of your products and services.

Finally, the fact that with social media the introduction is coming from a credible source (family, friends, and friends of friends) the consumer is more willing to accept what you have to say. This endorsement can be worth as much if not more than having Ellen DeGeneres talk about your product.

Accepting social media in your business allows you to practice conscious business by:
– having a mind that is active rather than passive (staying up on technology and trends in the marketplace)
– seeking feedback from others, to continually grow and expand (consumer interaction is the basis of social media)
– being receptive to new knowledge, and willing to examine old assumptions (listening to your audience and what they want)

Whether you are just getting into social media or have been part of the movement since the beginning, remember it is important to always communicate authentically with your audience.