Are you on the Social Media Train?

Written by Graeme Russell
By now you’ve heard about social media and the benefits it’s bringing to business, but the question has to be asked – have you caught the train? Think on this:

The bullet train flew past early, as it did many people were still sitting pondering if they should head to the station to catch it; by the time they’d made up their minds – the train had gone and they were left standing, wondering what to do next.

People in business are often like this when it comes to social media, with more and more business seeing the benefits of utilizing social media to connect and engage with the customers; those still wondering if it’s right for them could soon find that their customers have fled to companies already using it.

The train won’t wait; you can’t afford to sit idly by thinking whether you should be getting on the train; you need to act now. If you don’t get on board your competitors will and they will be miles ahead of you before you’ve decided it’s the right thing for you to be doing.

If we keep using the train analogy, we can think of the engine driver being the business and the passengers as customers; they’re picked up, offered service and are given a running commentary as the train moves along the track, passing various sites along the route.

In business, when using social media it’s not much different to this; you join a social media network; gain followers, start communicating, share useful information and take your followers on your journey.

Your followers will want to take you on their journey as well, so be prepared to give up the drivers seat, sit back and enjoy their journey. Where they take you will help you understand them.

By giving up the drivers seat, listening to, communing and communicating with your followers you will gain more respect; and they will start to talk about you and your business – they will become your advocates, your bullhorn.

It’s not too late to get on the train. Offer your customers the opportunity to get on board with you. Any business should have their train ready to pick up and take their customers/clients on a trip; call it a sightseeing journey if you like, the sights will be an insight into your business, how and why you do things. But most of all it will show them that you are real, that you will and do listen; that you value them and their opinions.

When you get your train moving remember it’s not all about you, you need to engage and join in the general discussions taking place; people generally don’t want to hear just from you and what you are doing; engage, connect and share with others.

What train are you on? Is your train ready for boarding?