Ten facts to leverage the power of social media

April 11th, 2011 | Author: Alison Miles-Jenkins

**Ten facts you need to leverage the awesome power of social media**

Last week saw the launch of the Ecademy Digital Business Britain Manifesto. This manifesto is supported by Mark Prisk, the Minister for Enterprise and Business.

It aims to highlight the importance of why companies, regardless of their size, need to embrace a digital mindset to increase their and their country’s economic output.

As one of the UK’s first Ecademy accredited digital coaches I have recognised the importance of social media and digital knowledge for my own company development.

I know that many people will need to shift their mindset radically if they are to integrate social media and digital thinking into their operations as fully as possible.

Alison
Miles-Jenkins

BA FCIPD, Consultant, Trainer, Speaker, Coach

Managing Director

Training To Achieve

(UK) Ltd

Turning professionals into more successful people managers and business owners

since 1990

But I also know its potential. And I know the risks organisations are taking if they get left behind by relying only on traditional ways of thinking. So, if you are influential in your business, and fear being out in the cold in the social media revolution, here are some stats -
on Twitter alone
- and ten facts to get you thinking…

Some figures to ponder…

In 2010 25 billion tweets were sent
100 million new Twitter accounts were set up in 2010
As at September 2010, 175 million people were using Twitter

And some facts…

1	You’ll need not only to understand what to do to have a social media presence (and, of course, how to do it). You’ll need to start off by understanding why.
2	It takes time and expertise to utilise social media properly across the many different platforms.
3	You/your business will need to know exactly what you stand for, and the thought leadership and values you will represent online.
4	Social media is all about two-way conversation and engagement. It’s about building a brand, building social capital and being there for friends and strangers. Do this and you will have some powerful allies to help you achieve your goals.
5	It’s not about ‘shouting’ on line and constantly promoting your products and services.
6	It’s about building relationships, being open, rather than closed and selective.
7	It places you in the heart of the communities who need your products and services.
8	You need to know what people are saying about you, your industry, your company, your competitors, in real time, right now.
9	You need people to know about you and your organisation. You need people to like you and your organisation. Only then will they follow you. Followers are essential to success online.
10	You’ll need to have great messaging. You’ll need to reach out to the relevant people across the right platforms for your business. You’ll need to monitor and take action.

So, Social Media is transforming the way the world does business, today. The implications are huge. The possibilities are endless. The risks are important to consider.

Some people say it’s all a game. If you don’t know what to do, or you aren’t doing it, then you are not even in the game. Can you afford not to be?