Does Your Business have a Social Media Plan

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I have been spending some time … allright too much time at my social networking sites. Typically, updating my profile to become a little more consistent across what is becoming a myraid of profile pages …arragh not another networking site to join . Why can’t one profile be used for every site? Why can’t I take my friends with me after all they are my friends?

DataPortability is becoming increasing important and is something to consider as a business owner. Just who owns your content? You need to be sure that you can take your belongings with you when decide to move out.

Throughout the networking site

s that I belong to the usual suspects LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and a bunch of bookmarking sites I find the same question being asked.

How does my participation here benefit my business?

I find that alarming simply because as a business owner myself I find I am constantly trying
photo credit: badboy69

to beat the clock. Time is a the most precious commodity that we have and to waste quality time without any reward is just plain foolish. Well, let me say this if you are asking that question then you need to re-think what you are doing. For those businesses contemplating venturing into this marketing stream make sure you have a plan before implementation. Doing so you avoid costly mistakes. Here is the advise I follow and what I advise my clients to follow.

Note: I did not coin the term nor invented the strategy but it is sound advise.

R.O.S.T. Strategy

Research: Listen for discussions on your brand, company, executives, as well as your competitors, your industry, your geography.

Objectives: Understand your business goals and your responsibility and develp a clear purpose or objective. It must drive revenue, build equity, or decrease costs.

Strategy: This is where you build a tactical action plan to execute against in order to reach your objectives.

Technology: Once you understand what you want to accomplish and how you are going to get there, its time to start executing your social media plan.