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I think it is a addictional help for us search infos/

The good

We’re in the middle of the worst recession in decades, with every day beginning with another disastrous economic report. So it’s critical for us to find ways to keep our cash outlays to a minimum while keeping our customers happy, and while finding more customers like them. This is precisely why businesses are turning to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other social tools and networks, as they are able to meaningfully connect with customers and prospects at a very low price point.

This seems to reinforce findings from a recent study conducted by Coleman-Parkes Research that found 84 percent of companies headquartered in North America feel they need to find new ways to communicate with customers. These “new ways” not only include the social networks your customers frequent, but also the devices they use to access them, like their BlackBerry, iPod or G1 phone. So using social media to solidify existing relationships, as well as create new ones, can be done. And it can be done inexpensively, and with relative ease by creating captivating content.

The businesses you're in is a very important factor to determine if the use of social media is profitable for the company, the knowledge and network of your employees.
Greets Wellness

Social media is ok until business people come in thinking "we are going to storm into this innocent-land" and then the people using social media are like "don't come in our place" and so the business people try to do fake things to blend in and that lowers the quality of social media for both sides.

Thanks for the great info about social marketing. If you can manage it well it can be the most powerful marketing you can do.

I have read that some companies have forbidden access from their computers to social media web sites like Facebook, and some other social media web sites for this reason.

Social media has been a big part of my world, even before it became a buzz-word. I was a power-user for years before it became an occupation.

Social media is good for business. Productivity losses, however, should be looked at in two different ways.

1. Loss of productivity is a daily occurence with or without the social media influence. Studies already have shown the stereo-typical employee is generally only capable of 60-70% productivity for the entire time they are at work. It isn't even about laziness, it is simply the human capacity, needs, and behaviours that have established this fact, along with the reality of the world of work being one full of constant interruptions, changing priorities, etc.
   
   Loss of productivity as an observed reality just because they're on facebook, doesn't mean it has to be unproductive. And since when, did relationship building online amount to an unproductive use of time?
   
   Initially, there will be a lot of wasted effort as the stumbling around with the social site, applications, and people being explored. As time passes - up to a year - the focus will narrow in on areas creating more impact.
    
2. Unproductive employees are typically a sign of a lack of health and/or well-being, either with the workplace, or with the employee. Time-wasters still goofing off on a social site likely goofed off other ways before social media came along. This is where a company needs to look at how actively they engage their employees. Are they fulfilled?
   
   People don't goof off when they're fulfilled by what they do, or by taking part with the group they work with. If people are glued to a social site like facebook, instead of being glued to their work, then there is a hole they're trying to fill in their workday experience. It's not all about work, it's social and internal needs too.

Social sites, by their very nature and intent, are socially engaging websites. Something that socially engages often offers a sense of fulfillment in a brief space of time.

Business: Take note of what has been said long before social media sites became a reality. Successful, productive, creative, and fulfilled employees are a direct result of engaged employees.

How are you going to create the dynamics in your workplace so that it becomes a place that engages and empowers your staff?

I once had a client who was complaining about loss of income due to staff members browsing social sites too much.

I recommended that he made it 'mandatory' for his staff to insert the company web address and a banner on their home pages and voilais, lots more instant backlinks and brand awareness. Won't always work, but this was a nice way to turn a negative into a positive...

Hello,

I sell on eBay, so for me Twitter, blogs, etc. are a way of life. I believe the main thing with social media is all folks want to get to know the person(s) behind the products/services.

In this fast paced day and age, it is much simpler to go online and read about someone; either about them or how they run there business.

I, personally, believe in letting folks know who we are, and what we stand for. This is very easy using social media...like, I believe in helping with cancer drives, so I might send out something on Twitter, or blog about it. I might have something on my face book, or my space.

Of course, we are a two person business...which eliminates the need to supervise employees. However, I feel as long as these folks use these sites in connection with there job, they are letting people know what kind of folks you hire, and how you treat them! This will give a potential customer some outside info about you and your company.

I have a very good friend who runs a small brick and mortar. She asks her potential employees if they use facebook, twitter, etc. and then she checks them out! You would be surprised the wealth of information you can get about a person just by reading these things.

I think it all comes down to the productivity of your staff. I'm pretty loose with my staff as long as deadlines are being met and the work is worth what the client is paying for it. When Either of those two issues are compromised, then I usually tell the employee I don't want to see any Facebook/Myspace/Youtube or whatnot.  You don't want your employees to feel like they're walking into a sweatshop so it's up to you to find the balance.

Thank you Chris for bringing up this very interesting subject.

I have been researching the use of social media in Internet Marketing and found that networking the various groups can lead you to interest sectors dedicated to a specific aim, subject, technology, product, etc. much in the same manner as with PPC. 

In my opinion one should network in the social media as part of a general strategy including bloggers, forums and bookmarks.

Have a good one!

Zvi