When talking the general public, business owners and employees, those who haven’t yet got an online presence and aren’t in that position due to legal reasons generally come up with one or more of these eight reasons as to why not. Unfortunately these reasons are generally founded on a lack of knowledge and understanding of the social network realm. Starting a campaign online with this foundation alone is bound to give you a wobbly start.
This is why I chose to write this particular blog post, to tell you what the reasons are, and why shouldn’t worry about them!
1. Firstly is a point that was probably valid, at some time, way in the past when business leaders first heard about the internet; “It’s just for games and messing about”.
Although there are places to play games online, and lots of possibilities to do so, since the introduction of social networks, the internet has completely changed itself and our world, in general. Not only does social networks affect the way we talk on line, it has all dramatically changed the way businesses communicate, and this open forum of debate is a unique insight into the desires of your customers, which you really can’t afford to not be part of.
2. Something that we’ve all said at least once in our lives; “I don’t like change”.
No one likes change, and you may well be comfortable with the way that your business is trundling along, but just because this is the way that your business has been run before, doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. The best businesses adapt to survive, we’ve learnt that this works from the animal kingdom, so take the challenge head on, instead of hiding behind a safe but potentially antiquated business strategy.
3. “We’re not selling burgers or actual products, what’s the use in Twitter for us?”
Your outlets don’t necessarily need to be completely for sales. It can be just as rewarding to become an influential person in your field. Once you have got this level of influence, people will have you in mind as the place to go when they need your services.
4. “Am I really going to get a return on my investment?”
This is a hard one to quantify as at first there may be little monetary return, but many believe that the increase in influence or engagement pays for itself. Social networks are not generally measurable in pounds and pence, but when you combine it with your marketing and communications, there is a large potential for profits, given the right drive and the right person to do it.
5. “I don’t have the time”
This is by far, the most popular excuse for the neglect of social networks. Given the technological developments that have happened over the past years, you are no longer limited to your desktop to update your online presence. You can now be online on your phone, or tablet on the move. The bottom line is that you can recognise the potential that social networks open up to you and if you really want to, you will find the time.
6. “I’m going to have to be liable for everything that my employees say online”
This is a risk that you can face, but only one that will occur if you are not fully prepared. Employ a strict digital policy that all staff need to be aware of and adhere too. If they know that there will be ramifications for their actions, if they break the rules then they will think twice before making risky comments. This also gives you the opportunity to let staff go if they break the rules they have agreed to.
7. “I’ve got no control over what people say online”.
I can see why people think that social networks may limit their control, but consider for a moment, how much control do you really have currently over your staff and customers? As soon as they leave the premises, the employees or customers will automatically begin spreading their views on the way you do things, so isn’t it best that you can monitor what is being said through google alerts and searches rather than being in the dark until the word-of-mouth gossip comes back to you?
8. “My clients aren’t online”
With 77% of households in the UK having an internet connection, I think it is more than likely that they are.
These are the top reasons that professionals use on a regular basis to not use social media. Now you know what they are, and if you thought them too, now you know the truth!
