Why is social media important for businesses and brands?????

Put yourself in the consumer frame of mind........

When you're siting at home after a long day at work ready to watch your favorite program, movie or sporting event and you have to sit though more annoying commercials than the actual program you wonder why you haven't bought TiVo yet! Who wants to waist their time watching commercials, GET TO THE MOVIE ALREADY!

How about in the morning on your way to work ready to jam out to your favorite music and all you hear are ads and chatty radio personalities. Thank God for satellite radio!!!! Get rid of the ads and radio personalities and it's time to get my groove on.

Okay! So, where and how can companies get their brand or product out and not annoy everyone? Why not let the consumers be a part of your company? Hmmmmmmm could it be that easy? Yes, brands and catchy commercials do help bring more people in your door but if you don't have good referrals you might as well give up.

What do you mean??? It is simple! When someone goes to buy a product now days they will do an internet search on it to see what others are saying about it. I can tell you that is what I do. I don't buy anything now days without researching the reviews. Ads only get me to the door but if your product has more bad reviews than positive I will be looking at other alternatives.

When you have a Facebook or Twitter company account you can turn the tides in your favor. Be "part" of the community. Let them speak their minds and be there to find a solution. Let the consumer know that you CARE and HEAR them. When people feel like they are a part of the company they will be more willing to defend and recommend it.