Resistance to Social Media is pointless. Millions of people can’t be wrong and if you are not participating it is easy to see that you are missing out.
Your competitors are there.
Your customers are there.
If you’re not there…you’re only tricking yourself!

There are many myths that surround social media and here are just a few:
MYTH: Social media is free.
BUSTED: The majority of the tools are free so why should you pay for a Social Media Consultant? Just like an advertising agency or a web designer, you pay for the time and knowledge someone else has at promotion, branding and content. Unfortunately, many companies don’t want to pay for Social Media Optimization Plan. This is a big mistake, “We need to be on Twitter or Facebook” is not a plan, it is a statement. It’s not just a matter of setting up your accounts it takes times effort and resources to do it well. The effort up front with an organized and effective social media optimization plan will be a huge internal timesaver in the long-run.
Remember, just because something seems free doesn’t mean it won’t cost you!

MYTH: Anyone can do it.
BUSTED: This is the biggest Social Media Myth out there if you ask me. My ten year old cousin knows how to drive a car so I dare you to hand him your keys. Hey, that new promo guy has a ton of friends on Myspace so let’s have him do our Twitter and Facebook Fan Page. This goes back to the first myth. Those who don’t understand how social media works, assume it’s easy. The, ‘if you build it, they will come” mentality is what I call this. Fast-forward a month later when you only have 25 friends or fans and then you assume social media doesn’t work.

MYTH: Social Media is a CURE
BUSTED: Social Media is fantastic for online reputation management but it is not a Cure-All. The problems you have with your product or service will not be solved with social media marketing. Honestly, Social Media is not glamorous. It takes time and involves discipline. You can compare it to being a vendor at a trade show or bridal fair. You would consider what your display looks like; who will be manning your booth; what they are wearing; how they represent you; what content will be available at booth; and what impression you want to leave visitors about your product or service.

MYTH: Social Media is a waste of time
BUSTED: I love this tweet from Avinash Kaushik “Social media is like teen sex. Everyone wants to do it. No one actually knows how. When finally done, there is surprise it’s not better.” There are great analytical programs for Twitter and Facebook. You can track, monitor and measure social media activity, and many are free. Every day new social media analytics tools are created to measure your Social Media participation with amazing insight about what’s happening within the Social Media World and how that affects you.

I don’t claim to know everything, but have over 15 years experience marketing, selling, promoting and advertising. I have worked on thousands of successful Traditional Media campaigns and Social Media campaigns. I personally benefit tremendously from managing my own Social Media brand. I am meeting the goals and disciplines I set for myself regarding Social Media. I can tell you that I have never asked a client to do something that I have not personally done.   I assure you there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer when it comes to Social Media. You will benefit from someone who listens to your needs, analyzes them and gives you clear, definitive direction. This is why it is important to consult with someone who has a proven track record of success when dealing with Social Media.

The best advice I can offer is that you observe someone who represents themselves as a Social Media expert. If you decide that they do what they say they will do and have the ability to do what you want, then ask for help. If I can be of assistance to guide, consult or answer questions I am always willing to be of service. I know that all of this is confusing but it definitely doesn’t have to be a trick!

HAPPY HALLOTWEET!