Photo: Contributed

Social Media has taken over the world. But, is it a personal convenience, a new way of marketing, a more expedient way of communicating or is it an obsession?

Gadgets and widgets, apps for just about everything, QR codes, free wifi is now an advertised com-on, tweet ups, tweet outs, like buttons and communities full of friends most of whom you wouldn’t recognize if you bumped into them on the street.

Increasingly, social media is being viewed as a rude and often invasive or unsafe addiction.

A recent article in MACLEAN’S Magazine suggested that an amazing number of twenty something’s thought it was just fine to text while having sex.

Really!

Can you imagine that conversation? And, how did the partner feel?

Perspective is a wonderful thing

Those who have perspective achieve balance more easily than those who don’t. Clearly the proliferation of the Internet and the devices to access it has changed our lives.

So for your business to compete you must find a way to use social media consistently and well. A communication strategy is no longer an option. But balance and perspective both in business and day to day living are vital.

The art of conversation

What was life like before cell phones, laptops, e-mail, text messaging and twitter?

Wasn’t that long ago either!

We had to talk to one another, face to face. Sure we had the telephone and snail mail, but more often than not, friend or foe, customer or competitor, we talked.

The store owner knew regular customers by name. Some still do. Today’s clock crunched, profit stressed business owner may believe there isn’t the time to talk to people. Oops!

Not a great move. Have we lost the ability to be social as we embrace social media? As we tweet about our world in no more than 140 characters, have we lost the art of conversation?

Why is this important?

• You need the feedback and the clarity that comes from being able to ask the right questions, from observing a person’s body language, from looking them in the eyes
• Twitter has its place as do Facebook, LinkedIn, e-mail, blogs and websites, but actual conversation is still the best way to show you truly care
• Talk to your customers and they will help you fully understand your brand. After all, brand is reputation. It’s about your customers and how they view your value and what they say about you
• It’s their feedback and what you do about it that will improve your service, your effectiveness and product lines to ultimately, build your business.

Oh and by the way, conversation will also help you improve your content marketing through social media.

The Floodlight Business Solutions Group is here to help you “Build Your Business”. Call us for a free, one hour consultation.

Submitted by Ted Farr, Floodlight Consultant.