Not every Social Media site is created equal.  Knowing what you want to accomplish with Social Media Networking and knowing the “climate” of the popular sites will help your strategy be successful!

http://www.marketing-pathways-tidbits.com/2012/07/why-social-media-doesnt-work.html

@michaelpingree I am a b2b business also and I definitely know what you mean!  I have joined groups in LinkedIn and I try to post relevant articles often and, even more often, comment on articles others post.  I have then made connections with certain people who I think I can exchange ideas with.  I try not to “sell” my business on these groups, just make relevant and interesting posts.  I think setting myself up as knowledgeable in my field in the goal.  

@annfurnivall Ann, I agree not every business is ideal to Social Media (that is why there are so many options out there!).  However, I use my Facebook page to post news and information relevant to my industry (background checks).  I have found that posting this information, and even interesting infographics, has driven clients to contact me using the more “conventional” methods to discuss  their business needs or to ask questions.  I think for a business like mine, that is my ultimate goal in keeping a Facebook presence.

@kimkline I use a company to do BG checks and now that they are doing the job we would have a hard time getting rid of them. I can see both the company that we use and our team that manages that relationship being interested in your service. But that is still a very small audience if you look 1:1 against the possible audience that  @annfurnivall has.

Just saying.

I’ve been on LinkedIn for a while, but just started looking for groups to join. Must of hit it lucky, because I’ve found good conversations. I joined a discussion of SM for non profits and found the conversations interesting. Just keep looking for a good group. Try going a bit against your specialty.

This is why I can’t get into Twitter. When I go to Twitter I see a sea of the same faces pushing their latest gigs. I stopped following the biggest self-promoters and soon was following only three people!

The strategy of being helpful to others must need some time to sink in.

@allenroberts  Interesting thought!  I had been participating in a discussion on some recent posts that brought “bad publicity” to a brand.  It seems that in at least one of the examples cited that the brand outsourced.  This ties in with your thought on outsourcing.  However, I believe that if a company hires a professional to run their SM and, most importantly, keeps regular contact with them (discussing the focus of the brand, staying on track, etc) it can work wonderfully.  

@allenroberts Thanks for the feedback Allen!  As always, the “discussion” is the best part of being on SME!!!

Question, do you think your “do it yourself” thoughts can apply to all size companies?  I whole-heartedly agree that it definitely benefits the small businesses.  However, would a larger company have the time, dedication, etc. to do it all themselves?  

we have  employees  who  do a lot but   our  facebook is just my other admin and me….. especially on  social media  you want to keep it  real,    to   show  your  core  brand, whatever it is  that makes  you  special,      i think   YOU   should  do it yourself if  you want it  to  sound  authentic……

.canned  posts  are   just that…..unless  they really know  your  thing…… my  bad  example kind of  related  to   this  was    a radio  ad the  pro   made up  for us   and i about had a fit  when i heard it …she  said   COLLECTIBLES….. a  horrible   ikky  word  for my   customers….we  wouldnt  touch them with a 10  ft pole….but  it  seemed  logical to the  ad  writer…you know  your  thing  best….