At a recent meeting in Kansas City, a Virginia Tech professor reported that a farmer in his state told him that if a banker won't communicate by e-mail or text messaging, the farmer won't do business with him.
It's clear that technology and social media affect every industry. In the same talk, the Virginia Tech professor reported that:
- 1/3 of small businesses have a presence on Facebook;
- Social networking has quadrupled in 3 years - 8 percent to 35 percent;
- 75 percent of men age 18-40 spend most of their time in front of a computer, compared to 18 percent who spend most of their time in front of a TV;
- Social networking is now more popular then e-mail.
The implication for K-State Research and Extension is that various forms of social media allow us to
- add customers quickly,
- capitalize on word-of-mouth marketing,
- enhance customer service (you are there 24/7),
- speak directly to the consumer.
While it's helpful to be proficient in many areas of social media, it's more important that you are using the technology efficiently. Even if you connect with customers in just one way, make sure you know how to use it at a high level and are committed to keeping the information fresh.
Some things that apply to all forms of communication, including social media, are:
- Maintain current information;
- Use proper grammar;
- Be concise;
- Know your audience;
- Be accurate (know your facts).
For more communication and marketing tips, visit our blog at www.ksremarketingminute.blogspot.com.
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