#avonova

Last night I was privileged to be a part of a panel on social media for Avonova. The discussion started of on a personal note with each of the panelists (James Howe, Jeremy Wright, Karen Schulman Dupuis and myself) discussing their personal account with social networks and soon became a discussion on how/if businesses should use social media. I believe the group that joined us got something out the evening and I thought I would share some of the takeaways from the evening.

1. If you would do it in person it's probably best to that online.

2. Just because you're on social media doesn't mean your business issues will be fixed. In fact your issues will be amplified, so make sure you are ready to enter social media before you dive right in.

3. It's important to remember you are talking to people. Take the time to respond when a person has taken the time to post on your wall or tweet you. If someone asked you a question in person would you ignore them? Then why would you do it online?

4. It's okay, and important to let people know they are talking to a person - it's not all business. When they connect to a person they are more than likely to engage with you.

5. Take the time to explore your options and see what works for you. Too often businesses think they need to do everything and this ends up being harmful, not helpful. Do one thing and once you've mastered that take on the next project, and make sure it fits into your strategy.

6. What works for one person might not work for another. Just because something worked for one business doesn't mean it will work for you. If it doesn't work don't be discouraged by it, just try a different approach.

7. Mistakes will be made and nothing is wrong with that. Own up to your mistakes and learn from them. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on.

8. Finally, just do it. Sometimes we spend way too much time talking about doing social media that we forget to DO social media. Take your time and find out what works for you and do it. The first step is often the hardest and once you dive in the fears will just wash away.