Eight Ways to Improve Customer Relationships with Social Media

Short link: http://bit.ly/1mYlOIB

From so much I see, hear and read about how companies use social media, I observe an often dramatic divide between those that use social media platforms as just another set of megaphones for their one way promotional messages and those that use social media to attract, build and enhance great relationships with customers.

This article won't be much use for the one-way broadcasters, but it is a practical guide for companies that understand how social media can enhance their relationships.

It includes some good advice for how to use social media when a mistake has been made. Hint: it's about being transparent, not about hiding.

Social Media Growth Forecast: Google+ to overtake Facebook?

Short link: http://bit.ly/1pMQRKM

In the course of doing presentations on social media and in one-on-one conversations, I pick up on quite a sense of social media overwhelm. So when I try to talk about Google Plus (or Google+) I see a common reaction of "Oh no, just when I was getting my head around Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook there's another one he wants me to think about!".

I understand that, but it's in the interest of any business owner, executive, or solopreneur to take serious notice of Google+ and see how it might help their business.

This article is both informative in terms of what is happening with Google+ and speculative about its future. Its projections are challenging. Even if you don't want to read it in full - it's not very long - have a look at the graphs. Amazing stuff! (Well, I found it amazing :) )

The Rise Of The "Social Professional" Networks

Short link: http://bit.ly/1qUy8tT

Groups on LinkedIn provide an option for particular professional groups that want their own network and can choose who belongs and who doesn't. Similarly, you can have groups with exclusivity on Facebook, and Circles on Google Plus.

But there are signs that some professionals want something more specifically and exclusively for their profession or sub-group. One example in this article is Doximity, for (US) physicians, with 40% of US physicians as members. Another is RallyPoint for current and former members of the US military. 

The short story: "Social professional networks serve as a place for people to 'do' things that other networks might not cater to."

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Till next time

Be well, be social :)

Des

PS: Do you know a business owner who is frustrated at not being able to get a serious handle on social media for their business? On one of my VIP Days they can have my undivided attention for a whole day (or half day) to focus, one-on-one, exclusively on their business, and how to fully integrate social media with their overall business strategy. Using a video connection means they don't have to travel. And yes, there is of course a special rate for any reader of Social Business Bites: or your business colleague or friend! - just let me know :)

PPS: If you are not on the list yet to receive Social Business Bites in your email inbox, and would like to try it, you can register for that at this link (there is an easy unsubscribe link in every update).

My contact details

Phone: International +61 413 089 355    Australia 0413 089 355

Skype: userid is deswalsh (if you want to connect with me there, just type in "Social Business Bites" - or email me and we can set it up).

Email: deswalsh@webartsco.com

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