Top 5 Reasons Businesses Don’t Engage in Social Media (and Why They Should Reconsider)
Every now and then, I get the customary eye-roll from a would-be late adopter when I mention Facebook, Twitter, blogging or any other social medium. Here’s five reasons why.
1. Fear.
This is a big one. Fear of the unknown. Fear of change. Fear of criticism. Fear of learning something new. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” If fear is holding you back, put yourself at ease by doing some research and talking to people who are already participating. If you’re open to learning from their experiences and applying those lessons to your situation, you’ll find your place in the social media realm in no time.
2. It’s Silly.
Some people don’t understand — or want to understand — social media’s potential value. They picture a bunch of annoying 20-somethings with too much time on their hands chattering away about nonsense by way of foreign acronyms. While that user segment does exist, there are others, young and old, of all cultural and industrial backgrounds, who are sharing information, learning from people they’ve never met, and growing their business from a grassroots level. In fact, many people are often surprised to learn that their competitors are engaged and gaining market share as a result. Nothing like a little competition to spur motivation.
3. Lack of Time.
Who has time to sit around and tweet all day? No doubt you’ve heard this question before. You may have even asked it yourself. Initially, there’s no time to learn it, and no time to do it. But if something is a priority, you’ll make time for it. I doubt you would ever ask, “Who has time for family?” and go on to live a lonely, workaholic life. You wouldn’t because you know that family enriches, fulfills and balances your life, and ultimately makes you a better person. Hint: Brush up on your multitasking skills and quit denying the inherent value of social media to you and your business.
4. It’s Just a Trend.
Maybe. So what? If it’s going to enhance your reputation, help you build relationships, put your business on the map, inform and/or enlighten you, why not take advantage of it while it’s still trendy? Carpe diem!
5. I sell widgets. Why should I blog?
A great question. Maybe you don’t need to blog. But maybe you should be on Facebook. Check in with the goals of your strategic plan, re-familiarize yourself with your target audiences, and honestly consider whether and how social media can contribute to your desired end result.
Were you initially reluctant to participate in the online community? What made you decide to dive in?
Stacey Getz , APR is our director of strategic communications. Read her bio here.
Tags: blog, facebook, social media, twitter
Leave a Reply