When engaging in Social Media business (as in life), social interactions matter. Whether you’re greeting your boss first thing in the morning with a cheerful “good morning”, or you’re hugging a friend you’ve not seen too long; it’s about the social interactions! If you put out love and respect, you get love and respect in return Here are a few tips to help guide your business through social media. A key hint: just act the way you do in your every day life, and you’ll be OK (unless you’re a complete curmudgeon). 
- Be Social – Offer a platform where your customers can communicate with you. I’d recommend a Facebook page. When Mark Zuckerberg first changed the format of Facebook, everyone thought he was crazy for implementing a newsfeed that felt like Twitter. He’s a genius. Facebook is now perfectly suited for the viral spread of content offered by businesses – showing up in newsfeeds around the globe. Send a virtual gift to a friend? They don’t have to accept that gift and it shows up in their Facebook Newsfeed (essentially an advertisement which is not in front of the eyeballs of their friends. Genius.
- Be Co-Creative – Let go of the reins and stop being so fearful. Engage and be co-creative. IF you have a fan page, talk to your fans. Ask them for feedback, poll them, and learn from them. They’re the reason you’re here! J.Crew asks their fans “How do you JCrew?” Fans responded in droves offering photos from Weddings where the bridesmaids and groomsmen all don J.Crew attire. I challenge you to find more bombastic brand advocacy that occurred organically and for FREE anywhere.
- Open Up– Like the old tag line for Lotto – you’ve gotta be in it to win it. Get started today, and see what pops up. Join a social network, start a blog.
- Be Rewarding – Now that you have fans and followers let them know how much you appreciate them. You do, don’t you? Offer them contests and sweeps – give them a reason to be there
- Be Evaluative – Conduct surveys, read comments and ratings. It will help you improve your product. Customers are there because they want to. The insight they’ll provide is invaluable, and coming from a pure place. Following that feedback should guide you and your business
