Looking ahead to 2011, which isn’t very far away, I’ve been asking small business owners if they have thought about using Social Media more. The answer has been a resounding, “YES!” 100% of the time. I then immediately follow up and ask them if they know either where to start or how they are going to acheive this goal. Take a wild guess what the resounding answer was on that one? (Hint: It’s the opposite of yes.)

The fact is that many business owners have absolutely no idea of what the heck they are getting themselves into with regards to business social integration. Some believe that it’s just like their regular interactions on Facebook with their teenage children or close relatives. A few even think that Social Media will magically save their business from an immanent fiscal doom. I shake my head sometimes when I hear some of the logic behind many of these pre-conceived notions about Social Media and Social Networking. My theory has always been, why waste time and spend hours upon hours a day/week/month trying to figure something out, when the solution has always been right in front of you: hire a professional.

Here is a great parable to envision: When you want to build an addition to your home, what do you do?

[Answer A.] Say, “I got this!”, and then proceed to build the addition yourself?

[Answer B.] Say, “I’ll watch endless episodes of, ‘This ‘Ole House’ to motivate you enough to then do the research on HOW to do, Answer A?

[Answer C.] Say, “You know what? Carpenters & contractors are the professionals in this industry, I’m going to call them and get an estimate on how much it’ll cost, as well as the amount of time involved to get the job done.

I think most of us would like to choose Answer A; then attempt Answer B; only to wind up at Answer C.

My suggestion would be save money and time, by always seeking out a professional, if you know that you have no clue of what you are getting yourself into. The results could be disastrous and counter productive. Granted, Social Media isn’t brain surgery, but important thing to take away from this blog post, is that when considering the life of your business to use your money and time wisely. Talk to a social media professional and get the job done right, the first time because 2011 is right around the corner.

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