Embrace the Social Network Revolution

One of my biggest challenges when building a business development strategy is getting someone to sign off on the social element.

Everyone is currently in favor and generally supportive of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn because they are safe and offer a relatively low risk of complete and utter failure. The problem is not the portals, but the lack of risk taking. The true power of social media lies in it’s ability to draw attention and make connections. These connections can then lead to actual sales and referrals when they are followed up on by more traditional forms of sales and marketing. Social provides the first touch and friendly reminder that makes everything else a warm call.

Don’t be afraid to take a risk. One of the biggest advantages of Social media is that it is relatively in-expensive. You design a cheap, fun and easy website for next to nothing these days and use it to drive exposure. Create a funny PSA and blast it to Digg and everyone else. Create a promotion that si literally out of this world and the actually give it away when you reach a level of followers you would have not thought existed. And do it all organically……not stupidly.

Take some risks people. It’s not the end of the world.