Yesterday I wrote about excuses businesses make for not using social media marketing and claimed the ability to argue against them all. Here we go . . .
Fallacy 1: Our company doesn’t need it.
Wrong. Your company does need it. I understand if all the cool kids are popping acid and jumping off bridges, you’d better not follow the cool kids. Beyond risk taking, there’s little tangible value for a teen to take drugs. For a company, though, being stubborn and not following the cool kids with their iPhones could be disastrous in the long run.
Your competitors are using Facebook, Twitter, and mobile marketing. If your business is a low cost leader, provides superior service, or fits a niche–the consequence of not touching customers where they live, through their phones and computers, is a nice way to hand business to your inferior competitor.
Fallacy 2: I don’t have the time.
Small business owners need to tend to the shop. A deli owner can’t be bothered to post status updates or upload photos of today’s shrimp bisque. During the lunch rush they can’t be bothered. Running from the line to the computer with 23 customers waiting to order? Not going to happen.
But this is when social media marketing can help a restaurant the most. As professionals, students, and freelancers work how many have their Facebook or Twitter pages open? Their phones listing Wall Posts and Twitter Feeds? Can a small business afford to say, “We don’t need that. I don’t have the time . . .”?
The 2010 Social Media Marketing Annual Report states “25.7% of large businesses and 25% of mid-sized businesses are currently outsourcing [social media marketing], compared to only 10.6% of sole proprietors.”
Coca-Cola can afford to hire a specialized marketer to handle its Twitter, Facebook, and direct email marketing. So can small businesses. Social media marketers like me, a shameless plug, I know, geek out over helping other inspired small business owners succeed.
Tomorrow I’ll hit on the “I don’t understand Twitter” and “I’ll get sucked in and spend less time actually working” excuses.
As a former teacher I believe in discourse. Please comment below and disagree with me, or feel free to praise too. We can all use a little of both.
Discovery of the Inspired Self
A blog for creative young professionals interested in social media, risk taking, and sustainable independence.
Digressions into economic theory, professional sports, and the Bruce Springsteen discography likely in every post.
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