Social media has changed the way we communicate. The meaning of social is evolving, and seeing peers or colleagues around a table on their phone, tablets, or phablets is a common scene. Are these people being anti-social or are they a meme of the new meaning of social?
With the development of social media, social means Tweeting with peers, pinning common pins and posting selfies with friends, amongst many other actions. But what are the implications for business? Screen addiction is a buzz word at the moment, and most individuals are using their ‘second screens’ for live feed, as opposed to watching a game or the news. Businesses need to grasp this concept of screen addiction, and play on its strengths in order to reach targeted markets.
Being social as a business means doing the normal daily operations, but using online means to do so. This could mean using social media to contact prospect customers, or perhaps online surveys to interact with current consumers and get feedback. Your customers are also looking at the way you interact with them, but remember: every customer is different. Depending on the generation gap, different customers could have a different meaning of social. If you want to approach a generation X prospect customer, for example, your best way of contacting them is through a phone call or through a SNS (social networking site) such as Twitter. However if you want to contact a veteran, your chances of getting hold of them on SNSs are slim to none. The best way of contacting this generation is through a phone call or a face to face meeting.
A popular YouTube clip, Look Up, portrays the world we live in as an anti-social microcosm for society. It emulates that we need to take a step back and reflect on the missed opportunities that are the result of using social media. Although a strong argument and message, we also need to look at the changing environment and how we can subtly adapt to it without forfeiting human interaction and expression.
In summary, we need to adapt to the new meaning of social within reason. As small business, interacting with fellow small businesses is crucial to generating quality leads, endorsements, and referrals. This can also be done online via social media means, and this opportunity should not be overlooked. If your small business is looking to be more social and subsequently get more quality referrals, come to a Just ask! presentation, where you’ll learn about the benefits of this elite business referral network. Pay it forward and help other small businesses. Visit www.justask.co.za for more information.
