Its 2012 and believe it or not, some still refuse to make use of social
media to advance their business causes. While some of this hesitation is normal
– as technology is never embraced the same by all – one has to wonder if even a
small business can survive nowadays without it.
Sure the neighborhood restaurant that caters to a younger crowd finds
success with social media postings of menu specials or the likelihood that
certain famous people may stop by. However, care businesses can benefit as well.
Here are a few points to consider and make use of as you put social media to
use.
I. Its OK to Think Local
As you embrace Facebook and other media its OK to reach out to those who are
local. Let’s face it; some guy in Sydney, Australia is likely not going to try and place
his mom in your small assisted living home or steer someone from his church who
may be able to use your services if you are located in Canton,
Michigan or St. Louis, Missouri.
So as you reach out to others to build a group of friends, focus on the
baby-boomers or at least stay in relevant territory (ages 35-75) since people
in their early 20′s and teenagers are less focused on long-term care and would
not be the ideal bunch to expect a referral from. They may also be less
socially engaged (outside of their peer groups) in church, etc. and not be
aware of who may have a need for what you provide.
II. Post Meaningful Items
Nothing sells better than testimonials or at least positive experiences. So
post newsletters or photos with comments from people you have served and use
these items to educate others about what you do in home care or in assisted
living. Of course you do not want to use someone’s comments or photos without
their permission so perhaps you can build into your assisted living agreements
permission to use the images of residents or clients for marketing purposes.
III. Tell Your Story Without Appearing Boastful
Writing, as is the case with most communication styles is an art. It is
important to tell others about how you are affecting lives without sounding
like you just changed the world. Boastful people turn the rest of us off and
their words can leave a bad taste in a reader’s minds.
Speak about situations managed and challenges overcome without coming across
as Rev. Ike who just walked on water.
We agree that spending an inordinate amount of time on the internet for
anything can create an imbalance in anyone’s thinking and can be a contributor
to social isolation. So we are not encouraging excesses.
Our message is one that advices you to at least embrace – to the extent you
can – the usage of a tool that is an integral part of modern small business.
Perhaps you can set aside 2 to 6 hours per week for you to engage in networking
on LinkedIn, posting on Facebook and tweeting memorable business items.
In the course of an entire year this could add up to more than 300 hours of
high quality marketing and networking. What business would not benefit from
that?
Of course you have to be careful not to allow yourself to be pulled into the
more mundane aspects of social networking such as meaningless interaction with
strangers for hours at a time. As long as that trap is avoided all should be
well and your care business will benefit.
Thanks for allowing me to share.
Our message is one that advices you to at least embrace – to the extent you
can – the usage of a tool that is an integral part of modern small business.
Perhaps you can set aside 2 to 6 hours per week for you to engage in networking
on LinkedIn, posting on Facebook and tweeting memorable business items.
In the course of an entire year this could add up to more than 300 hours of
high quality marketing and networking. What business would not benefit from
that?
Yes, you can really use the advantage of social media to help promote any type of business. It is also better if you start your own Facebook fan page where you can advertise your business products and sales.
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