Why Talking Will Always Beat Shouting in Social Media

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stignygaard/450640129/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Universal Studios - The Blues Brothers' car by Stig Nygaard, on Flickr"><img alt="Universal Studios - The Blues Brothers' car" height="300" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/177/450640129_2a128dcc88_m.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10259776@N00/450640129/">Stig Nygaard (Flickr)</a></i></td></tr> </tbody></table> There's been a lot of debate on the value of social media. After all, it's easy to argue about the potential of social media as a powerful sales channel. The ability to communicate with so many people instantly is like catnip to marketers and business owners alike—driving a gold rush that has spawned innumerable "social media experts."<br> <br> Despite this excitement, there remains much controversy about the proper way to <b>sell </b>within the social landscape. Even the gatekeepers themselves (the major social networks), struggle to properly monetize their communities. So the debate of social media's efficacy wages on. <br> <br> Initial excitement is often followed by frustrated divestment, leading to false conclusions about the potential for marketing in the social sphere. These initial assessments are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of social audiences. False conclusions about the value of social media are not telling of social media's true potential, but illustrate instead <b>how ineffective it can be to apply traditional marketing initiatives within non-traditional environments</b>. <br> <br> </div>

Why Talking Will Always Beat Shouting in Social Media

Source: Stig Nygaard (Flickr) There's been a lot of debate on the value of social media. After all, it's easy to argue about t...

Read more »

5 Customer-Centric Tips for Small Businesses [INFOGRAPHIC]

<div> <p>Marketing for a small business is hard. Not only do you have to be proficient at every traditional practice (outdoor, email, direct, event, print, digital, etc.) but now you're expected to put social on top of that as well.</p><br> <br> The good news is there are some basic blocking and tackling moves that can make your job a little easier that should encompass any platform that you decide to embrace. This infographic outlines five small business tips that can make it easier to reach your marketing goals. </div> <div> <br> Take note of these five areas and pay special attention to how they each tie specifically to a customer need or want. If you're thinking like your customers, you're more likely to be successful at each and every one of these elements.</div>

5 Customer-Centric Tips for Small Businesses [INFOGRAPHIC]

Marketing for a small business is hard. Not only do you have to be proficient at every traditional practice (outdoor, email, direct, event,...

Read more »