We live in a Society where social networking sites have become such an integral part of our day, that it sometimes hard to imagine how we passed the time before Facebook, MySpace and Twitter (but to name a few).
I have an extensive web presence and really enjoy my time online. I like that I get a sneak preview into people’s lives that I barely know anymore! I love that I can communicate with my nearest and dearest so quickly and easily, even if it just to arrange Sunday lunch. Of course, there is no substitute for a good old fashioned chat or face to face get together – Facebook just makes it easier to arrange, especially if a group of friends are getting together.
Given that for many, social networking sites are a big part of a person’s personal life, how prevalent are they in business? Sites such as LinkedIn provide online networking opportunities and a place to display work history, skills, contacts and experience. Twitter, enables users to inform followers of bang up to date news and information which was particularly useful during the recent cold snap. The harsh economic times that we are experiencing are also enticing people to become more and more involved with social networking sites. In fact, a very good friend of mine was recently made redundant, and his first words were, “better update my LinkedIn page then!”
For me, the benefits of using social networking sites in business are huge. They do not replace the need for conversation or detract from the importance of face to face meetings. Instead, they provide a means of communicating (in addition to the more traditional methods such as letters and emails), and are also a good way to inform customers and clients of new initiatives. Again, like personal social networking, social networking in business is not a substitute for events and face to face meetings. It just enhances opportunities for communication and for many people, is becoming the norm. It is not just LinkedIn that is used either. Facebook pages for Businesses are growing on a daily basis and on a recent trip into my local town centre I discovered a fantastic retro clothes shop that had recently opened and uses Facebook to inform customers of promotions and events – and why not!
Some may argue that there is no place for social networking sites in business and to an extent they may have a point. However, I would suggest that if carefully used and in addition to all previous means of communication and marketing then one cannot really go wrong.
As much as I believe that using Social Networking tools such as Facebook and LinkedIn are a great idea and can be used to a businesses advantage, I also worry about the ever increasing misuse of these tools and the damage that they can bring.
Facebook has been increasingly used to bully and harrass individuals causing so much stress and pressure it has led to extremes in behaviour. I worry that businesses could see an increase in damaging items being placed on their accounts.
I believe that if a business wishes to use this route it should be a very considered approach with time built in to keep it up to date, making sure that damaging comments have not been placed on statuses, that links with new ‘friends’ are the type that a business needs and that security has been set up properly
Leaving your site or account for a long period time might also suggest a lack of interest and actually put a potential new client off of contacting you.
These sites are a commitment for life and ‘not just for Christmas’.