What is Social Media?

Social Media are a group of network technologies using the Internet and mobile networks that communicate with individuals and their networks of people, their friends and associates. Social Media is user driven which empowers people to subscribe and follow people, companies, products and ideas of interest. It is estimated that over 500 Million people are connected via social media.

Examples of social media sites include Facebook, a website where people build networks of friends and companies to keep up to date with news, pictures and other information which is published to their accounts.

Twitter allows people to follow other people and companies as they send short messages notifying their followers of everything from latest ideas to specials in their stores. "Tweets" or Twitter messages can be sent to your computer or mobile phone.

Many companies post product testimonial and demonstration videos on sites like YouTube where they can be viewed by millions of people around the world.

How Will Social Media Affect Your Business?

Social media is a sea change in marketing. Just 15 years ago, if your company didn't have an Internet presence no one was surprised. Those who did reaped benefits by claiming that space as their own. Don't miss the boat again! A smart social networking strategy will be more important in the very near future than websites and advertising are today.

• 46% of people will talk about or recommend a product on Facebook
• 44% of Twitter users have recommended a product
• 36% of YouTube users have gone to a retailer after learning about a brand on a social media site

These numbers are today!

Who Is Growing via Social Media?

Large companies like Macy's, Best Buy, Cisco, Ernst & Young, Cintas are using Facebook, Twitter and others to communicate their products and messages effectively.

Small Businesses like restaurants, insurance agencies, boutiques, financial planners and many business and personal service providers are growing through their social network strategies.