Why get connected with Social Media?

I've had several of my friends who haven't joined Facebook or Twitter yet contact me recently wondering how Social Media can help them in their business.  Basically, what's the point?  Well, I remember people asking that same question about 12 years ago when the internet was just coming into its own.  Seems a bit silly now, doesn't it?  The best way I can answer the question is this:  The world is changing right before our eyes faster than we can even imagine.  It's become connected and transparent.  I think that most of you can admit that a static Rolodex or address book has been replaced with electronic versions like Outlook, Blackberry, etc.  Now these databases are being replaced with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, YouTube, blogs, RSS Feeds, et al.  Basically, Social Media has transformed your address book from a place where you keep your contacts to a place where your contacts keep you. (Damn, that's good - I'll need to post that on Twitter!)

Social Media is an interactive, multi-faceted, global database where everybody can learn and share from everybody else.  You can find your own balance as to how much you want to share or observe.  Don't you think it would be great that if all of your friends and clients shared their greatest successes as they happened and you could congratulate them in real time?  Do you think that would make a powerful impact?  Think they might remember you when it comes time for them to need your services?  And, what about their friends who you have never even met?  Do you think they might wonder who you are and what you do when they see you interacting with their friends?  You bet!  As with most things in life, 90% of success comes from just showing up.

Here's a video by Perry Belcher that explains the point of using Social Media in business better than any others that I have seen.  Thank you to Chris Pollinger of the PRC Network for passing this along.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=53661224331&h=-TJwY&u=g-LQ4

Also, thank you to the dozens of you who have already joined my Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn networks.  Much more good stuff to come.

I'm on Facebook and LinkedIn at Dennis Rosvall or DRosvall@prcstandards.net, and Twitter at UberRealtyGuy.  See ya soon!