If it were me...

Lately I have been talking to people about the benefits of Social Media marketing and attending various workshops across town. As I go from one to the other, I am becoming more and more concerned about the volume of mis leading information on offer. And whilst I have always been on the opinion that everyone has something to teach you in life and business, I think it's important to understand that you should never take these 1 hour silo workshops as gospel, you continue to read, research and connect with as many people as possible, then work out which parts will work best for you.

Here are some valuable points to consider when you are in your planning stage.....yes PLANNING stage, before you have created a blank facebook business page with a crooked logo and an empty status box, starting with the two most fundamental:

1. Social Media is not free. I will repeat this point because it is the most important point to remember - Social Media is not free. I will explain why in a moment

2.  Social Media is not for everyone. Again,  will repeat this point because it is just so important - Social Media is not for everyone. You can not just set up a page in the hope that hundreds of people will find you. You need relevant content to connect AND you need to make sure your target market is using the sites in the first place!

3. Who is going to be driving your Social networking? This is why its so important to consider point one! Who is going to be responsible for monitoring the sites? Do you have the time to ensure you can interact with your customers on a regular basis? Your customers will be at work generally for the same hours as you M-F 9-5, so consider the hours they will actually be online and ready to engage with your business? Will you be online too? Who is responsible for starting the conversation?

4. It's more than just knowing the product. Whoever types the keys, holds the power! This person is giving your brand, your business a voice. Can you trust them to speak in the right language? To ALWAYS represent your business or brand in the best possible light? Do all the employees companywide understand their role and responsibilities around posting comments on your site as they are your constant brand ambassadors? What is the agreed process if something goes wrong?

5. The Content. Again consider point one. Who is responsible for the content? What are the approval processes required if at all? Do you have any in the first place? How will you develop it? Where can you find relevant information? What interests your customers?

6. What are you hoping to achieve? Why are you even considering social media in the first place? Ensure everyone knows what you are hoping to achieve: increase awareness v sales leads, credibility v availability etc

7. Are you able to carry your message across the board? Social Media is only one aspect of your marketing so ensure what is conveyed online is achievable at all touch points or your message may be lost. Be open to new ideas but be realistic.

8. What happens online, stays online! Unlike others forms of media, information online is here to stay. It is not a review published in newspaper that is thrown out at the end of the day.  I once watched a very funny clip on the ABC about the need for Social networking companies such as Facebook and YouTube to now consider drafting a policy about security of personal sites after one dies. Who now owns that site? Who should have access to that site? Should it ever be removed? How long does it stay live? If you decide to create a social site, you must be in it for the long haul, you must agree to commit!

9. People are not always nice. Be prepared for the fact that your customers may leave negative comments and have a policy in place as to how you can turn that frown upside down! It is important to refer back to point 4 at this step and again reiterate that your customers are allowed to vent, its valuable information you can use to grow your business, but your employees and representatives must not. Their comments will leave a stain that you can never wash off.

10. Do you now have answers for all of the above? If the answer is no then......then don't do, lets look at more effective ways to connect.