Are Local Business Owners Scared of Social Networking?

Really, what you are doing when using a social networking site for business is letting people know what you have to offer, what problems you can solve for them, and putting a face (or video) to a name so you can build relationships. — Taylor Garland, How to Use Social Networking Sites Like Facebook and LinkedIn to Grow Your Business

Everybody is writing about it, tweeting about it, facebooking about it … The question is, are YOU listening?

No-one can force you to add social media to your marketing mix. In truth, if you stay out of the game, there’s more room for those who want to play. But while you’re saying, “What can I do?” How can I get more customers? Why are my clients racing over to the competition? — you could be putting a little effort into the whole social networking scene, and seeing at least a modest return on your efforts (ROE).

No, it is not enough to drop in at the local Chamber mixer. And if your peers and colleagues are commiserating with you, or worse, echoing the same questions and laments, you just might be in the wrong place entirely. That is, until the local Chamber starts helping you join the social networking revolution.

Of course, you are not alone. And really, I know what the problem is.

• It’s not time (“I just don’t have time to do this and that!”) . . .
• It’s not staff (“I just dont have enough people that someone can work on this!”) . . .
• It’s not money (“I just don’t have this included in the budget!”) . . .
• It’s not knowledge (“I just don’t know how!”)

It’s not anything other than fear.

That’s right, you’re just scared!

Scared you’re not hip enough, not cool enough.
Scared you’re going to offend somebody.
Scared your colleagues will laugh at you.
Scared you won’t be seen as professional.

Scared you’ll have so much fun you’ll neglect the business, the clients, the family, and your expensive hobbies.

Scared.

Well, it’s time to move past the fear.

Some resources to get you going

First, listen to this local business owner who shares how he uses social networking in marketing his two storefront businesses and for keeping in touch with vendors.

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(Social Media Impact For Local Business – This segment is from an interview with Rodney McNeil on TaylorThyme, Local Business 2-0-1-0 on BlogTalkRadio)

If you need some tools to help you manage your social networking presence, I recommend some free ones (I use them myself!) in my Top Secret Personal Resources SwipeFile. You can get it immediately, no sign-up, no opt-in, just free.

Here are a couple of articles from two in-the-know business owners.

Taylor Garland – How to Use Social Networking Sites Like Facebook and LinkedIn to Grow Your Business

William M Drapcho – The Benefits of Social Networking

And more encouragement from Social Networking For Local Business

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• Fun and Games : Farmville and Fishville on FaceBook
  FaceBook offers games that MySpace doesn't … And millions are relaxing with them! There's a time and place for everything. Although this site is about using social networking for your local business, after business you want to play a little, too. If you're into games on FaceBook, th …
• Twitter Marketing Ideas For Business – 7 Multiple Streams of Income From Twitter Marketing
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• Twitter Marketing Tips – 7 Unorthodox Strategies to Use Twitter For Business
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• Get More Clients Using LinkedIn
  LinkedIn has become the tool of choice for professionals to raise their profiles online and connect with potential clients and business partners. But far too many professionals fail to exploit the benefits of LinkedIn. This article explains how to use LinkedIn to get clients and win new business.

Nike says, “Just do it.”

That’s what I say, too.

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