Social media success story

There's a lot of hype about social media, and you shouldn't underestimate its relevance for small businesses. I've just listened to an interesting webinar from Trump University, and it's brought home some of the social media strategies I speak about in my book, The Small Business Success Guide.

Firstly, there's no point as a small business owner saying that social media isn't for your business if you've never checked it out. Ask people you know, including your clients, about the sort of social media they use. Then have a play yourself and start nurturing online relationships with people, who may in the future pay for your product or service.

Give them information or updates on what you're up to. Make it interesting and relevant. "It's how business is being done," says Michelle Gamble of Marketing Angels. "It's quick, it's targeted, it's instantly measurable and it's free."

A great one to look at, which is also featured in The Small Business Success Guide, is Sydney's Mumu Grill. Owner Craig Macindoe has set a cracking pace in his online presence, and it's reaping the rewards. In fact, he says his business is "up 30 to 40 per cent on last year, and at least half of that is due to social media".

You can alwyas take a small business friend along for the ride. Social media and marketing expert John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing says you can create a blog and then get a group of similar professionals to join forces and share their expertise.

In The Small Business Success Guide, he talks about a plumber, electrician, lawn-mowing service and heating and cooling company who would make a killer home tips blogging team.

Who'd be on your team?

Margie