Here is a quick breakdown of how I see each of these social media platforms
Twitter: This is a huge conference room, with thousands of speakers and topics. There are side conversations, people jumping in and out of conversations, people talking about the weather, their car, any and everything else. Facebook: A living room, or a business show room are the first two places that come to my head. People that you are talking to here already know who you are, have done business with you before, or are thinking about doing business in the future. Linkedin: Trade Conference with suits and ties. This is a professional facebook, with other features that make it great for business. Some people are open to connecting if you have never interacted, but may not connect with you (just like on facebook). Blogs: This is a constantly evolving story about a business. I can't think of any good analogy sorry :( The use of a blog for a company or individual is vast, but in general, I think of making a business an informational resource about a specific topic. Become a trusted resource for people looking for that particular subject. I have experienced first hand, the internet can suck you in. There are so many directions you can go, semi-productive things you could do. Strategy in Social MediaBefore you ever get started, and while you are learning, and every once in a while after that, you must decide why you are doing what you are doing online. Are you spending hours making something look good without any content on it (blog). Are you gabbing with people without ever helping them, or asking for their help (twitter)? Are you constantly posting updates and sending out links without getting your customers there (facebook)? In coming posts I will be focusing in on the strategy of each of these, dabbling a bit in the technical details, but google and you tube are great resources for specific questions. I want to outline why you would want to make a youtube video, how to lay out a strategy for connecting to your customers online. -Christopher
