Are you anxious about using social media in your business?

Guest post by: Maribeth Kuzmeski
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Free can get your clients going wild! But what's in it for you? - By Maribeth Kuzmeski

Should you be afraid of social media and the changes and consequences it may bring to your business? It opens your business to the scrutiny of the masses, making you instantly accessible and requires a consistent watch. It depends who you are and what business you are in, but in some cases social media can be a little unsettling. Does that mean we should avoid it? Cross our fingers that it blows over as a passing trend? Well, here are some of the more memorable comments I have heard from financial advisors over just the past several weeks about this topic:

1. “It’s just another new technology and I really don’t want to learn anything new right now or have my staff wasting time on this.” Translation: Prove to me social media is valuable and then I will consider venturing into this space.

2. “My compliance department said I would be terminated if I used any social media, including LinkedIn.” Really?? Most compliance departments have rules set into place, but I had not heard of termination. Don’t risk it!

3. “I don’t want to share so much with the whole world. My business and its clients should remain private.” Translation: The benefits don’t outweigh the potential for negative consequences.

Ultimately you have to do what is right for your business. There is certainly enough value in social media to make it a part of your business – even a small part.* But first, determine if you are hesitant because you feel out of your personal comfort zone, or if you actually believe there is no benefit to your business.

Social media is not a replacement for the face-to-face communication or your regular marketing. But devoting just one hour per week can be significant in enhancing the contacts you have already made as well as becoming a source for finding new ones. Set up a LinkedIn profile, create a Facebook fan page for your business and begin a blog.* And, if you have compliance concerns, begin by focusing on your social media as a push not pull method for communication. You can push information out to be seen, but set up your social media sites so visitors will not be able to make any comments on your sites.

Statistics have proven outside of financial services that social media can make a difference in the acquisition of new clients. Within financial services, the same results are happening. Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC conducted a study Creating Growth: The Increased Use of Social Media by Independent Advisors, designed to measure advisors’ use of social media to attract business. The study found that social media does pay off in generating increased revenue or fees and helps in efforts to reach new prospects.

And finally, social media is free. Wouldn’t you use a free tool – for 1 hour per week – if it had the potential of attracting new clients and building your brand? And why oh why would you pass that up unless you have all of the business you already need.

*Consult with your compliance department first if you are a financial advisor.

“Should I or shouldn’t I”

Using Social Media Effectively As A Business Professional And Author

Social Media as the New Cold Call

How To Manage Your Anxieties Of Being On TV And The Radio

Resourcing B2B social media

Social Media is NOT about Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin

Legal Marketing: Social Media and Law Firms

Social Media Gains Momentum for B2B Marketers

Strategies For Utilizing Social Media Outlets

Social media : why should my business use this resource?

The Remarkable Growth of Social Media - an Infographic

Do Not Get Stressed When Your On TV

How To Manage Your Fears Of Being On TV And The Radio

SOCIAL MEDIA: THE NEW GOLDEN AGE OF COMMUNICATING!

Legal Marketing: Blog opportunities

How to Make your Social Media Campaign Enjoyable

Social Media is for Experts Only. Do Not Attempt!

How Social Media Helps Businesses Get More Exposure

13 Signs Your Business is Heading for Social Media Obscurity

How To Use Social Media For Your Business

Home > Marketing > Maribeth Kuzmeski > Are you anxious about using social media in your business > Google +

Free PDF Download
Free can get your clients going wild! But what's in it for you? - By Maribeth Kuzmeski

About the Author: Maribeth Kuzmeski

RSS for Maribeth's articles - Visit Maribeth's website
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA President of Red Zone Marketing Maribeth is the President of the consulting firm, Red Zone Marketing. Maribeth and her firm consult with entrepreneurs on strategic business development, communication strategy and messaging. Maribeth is the author of 4 books including, "Red Zone Marketing: A Playbook for Winning All The Business You Want," has frequently appeared on TV and radio, and has written articles on marketing strategies for hundreds of publications. She regularly speaks to audiences on topics relating to business development, marketing and sales strategies. Maribeth graduated with a degree in journalism from Syracuse University and has an MBA from The George Washington University. She lives in the Chicago, IL area with her husband Rich and 2 children.
Click here to visit Maribeth's website.

More from Maribeth Kuzmeski
Pinpointing BPs Pitfalls 8 Ways to Reconnect After a Disaster
The Small Business Underdog How to go head to head with the big dogs of business
Are You Working in the Red Zone or Just Working
Why Arent People Buying From You
Imitating Innovators is Smart Business

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Are you anxious about using social media in your business?

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: