10 Ways to Get Serious About Social Media in 2010

10. Discover your brand. My what? Yes, your brand. Be certain you are consistent with your brand – whether it is management of content, colors, or culture – be sure there is continuity across all channels.

9. Don’t Be A Bad Date. Social networking is centered around a couple of things. And guess what? It’s not all about YOU. It’s about listening. It’s about interaction. It’s about feedback. It’s about insight. It’s about your clients. Most importantly, like any other part of your business – it is built on relationships.

8. Social Media is not the Supreme Medium. You can not rely solely on any one marketing segment. Industry indicators show that numbers are projected to rise, in some cases significantly for 2010 and beyond across various other channels such as Outdoor, Direct Mail, Public Relations, and National Cable TV.

7. Develop a marketing plan and budget. Stick with it, and be sure to market yourself through channels that you can manage and measure your ROI.

6. Don’t know your fan from your follower? Stick with what sets you apart from the pack. Are you an entrepreneur? Didn’t you go into business because of a skill, service, or product that is unique? Focus your energy in those areas, do what you do best and let a true marketing expert handle your social media.

5. Define measurable objectives. If you aren’t going to measure it, why do it? Would you just open your bank account for a free-for-all without knowing where your money is going? No, that’s why we all love debit cards and online banking. Use the same school of thought when pursuing social media and any marketing objectives. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

4. Don’t get left behind. Is Social Media a fad? No. Is it going away? All signs say no. Quit waiting for the right time, or the perfect tool, or the next network. Do you know what is happening while you wait? Everyone using social media is driving traffic to their websites, increasing Google rankings, increasing revenue, and receiving key feedback from clients on ways to improve their products, services, and client interaction.

3. Be open-minded. Just because you hate texting or facebook, that does not mean your target customer does. Don’t let the small things hold you back. Jump in with both feet.

2. Don’t be paralyzed by the fear of Brand Suicide. Mishaps happen. Having the proper resource in place to respond to a misguided communication effort is key.

1. Bah Humbug. Quit counting fans and followers like they are pennies that will immediately impact your bottom line. If that is what you are using social media for – stop. You missed the point.