Defining social media starts with noting the various tools that make the phenomenon possible. These include Internet forums, weblogs, message boards, video logs, wikis, podcasts, widgets, and social networking and information sharing Web sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and Youtube.

But social media isn’t only about the tools.The power of social media lies with the people who participate in and fuel the virtual communities that have grown around and because of these tools—virtual communities that have the potential to make or break a product, TV show, movie, or service on the basis of opinion, open critique, and unabashed information sharing.

Whether you’re already tuned in to Social Media or not, chances are that good portions of your customers are.

More and more, people of all ages are turning to social media and social networking forums to share information and “kick the tires” virtually on various products and services across nearly every type of industry. Social media has become prevalent in our lives, an expanding business segment and communications tool that’s demanding (and deserving of) the attention of companies big and small.

How MJS Can Help

MJS Executive Search has developed a recruiting expertise in the rapidly growing field of social media. Additionally, we have embraced social media by integrating it as one of the many ways we communicate internally and with clients. We have also added social media to our arsenal of proven and trusted recruiting tools. Simply put, we understand this emerging field and the powerful opportunity it represents for companies to engage in real-time dialogue with customers, prospects, and stakeholders…and we are excited to be able to share this expertise with you. Click here for more info.

Why Should I Care About Social Media?

The ubiquitous nature of social media means that companies serious about thriving and succeeding in the 21st century can no longer afford to ignore it. Like it or not, social media has become a significant part of the way business is conducted and the way products and/or services are marketed to consumers on a global scale. Through social media people are able to go online to present or view video, audio, and written information, share anecdotes, and make recommendations/non-recommendations about products, services, and entertainment round the clock, 365 days a year. So widespread are these social media networks that they have become trusted resources for purchasers of goods and services (and in many cases the sole source of such information).

How Can My Company Leverage Social Media?

At its most fundamental level, social media represents new and richer opportunities for your company to communicate with, interact with, and learn from your customers and target customers. When the power of social media is understood and embraced, it can become a valued cornerstone to your communications and marketing strategy. For example, if you want to know what the “buzz” is about your product or service or the product or service of a competitor, chances are you can find out fast by taking the pulse of the various social media outlets. If you want to share ideas for new products or services, or get reactions from potential customers by floating a trial message, social media may be the place to turn. Or, if you simply want to raise awareness, social media provides a ready-made platform for starting such a conversation with thousands (if not millions) of eager participants.

To benefit the most from social media, however, your company has to become an active member in this so-called “participation culture.” You do this by integrating a social media expert with your marketing, corporate communications, or Web management team—a go-to person to manage your social media presence, social media content, create awareness, monitor your social media “buzz” (what others are saying or writing about you online), and help protect your corporate reputation.

Companies both large and small are leveraging social media to compliment/supplement the following activities:

• Internal and external communications
• Advertising and promotion
• Online reputation management
• Corporate community development
• Customer service
• Product development
• Market research