Submitted by: Bishoy Ishak and Helen Thibault

A new era has certainly begun. A new age in communications is emerging, seemingly daily, and brings with it a never-ending wave of trends and habits Facebook is surpassing 700 million users; Twitter is on its heels with 175 million, mobile users worldwide hitting 4.65 billion. What does this mean for a small business owner? It means change. Simple word, yet with a new meaning. Change is continuous now, and small businesses require a strong social media presence to remain a constant with consumers, who are rapidly shifting their methods of doing business. It used to be in the not so distant past, a consumer would employ more traditional methods of acquiring their information: phone books, whether virtual or archaic, or navigating Google and Yahoo for their queries. This is shifting towards a new trend of depending on social media for their buying needs. They are now looking towards their social circle, a “Circle of Trust” if you will, for recommendations and activities. A simple “like” on Facebook by one user can be viewed instantaneously by their network of followers. Opportunities abound for businesses with simple, yet highly effective, new ways of marketing. A Facebook page is undoubtedly a necessity for small businesses, and a great starting point.

Next up, a Twitter account, for clients (ahem, “followers”) to hear of daily happenings, or “tweets”. Even the traditional website is evolving. Consumers are increasingly dependent on their smartphones to easily access the crucial information on the go, which leads to the emergence of mobile sites. Not to mention the growing number of blogs popping up on websites, discussing everything from the newest skin-care breakthrough to the financial woes of the quarter. Not to be missed, a creative use of the QR code can also be an opportunity waiting to be tapped into, as long as innovation and imagination are used! A solid, innovative social media marketing plan ensures repeat exposure and an ongoing relationship with the consumer. Joining this online community is allowing small businesses to become a part of the client’s daily life, in an efficient and modern way. The question is, when will your business join in?

Submitted by: Bishoy Ishak and Helen Thibault A new era has certainly begun. A new age in communications is emerging, seemingly daily, and brings with it a never-ending wave of trends and habits Facebook is surpassing 700 million users; Twitter is on its heels with 175 million, mobile users worldwide hitting 4.65 billion. What does this mean for a small business owner? It means change. Simple word, yet with a new meaning. Change is continuous now, and small businesses require a strong social media presence to remain a constant with consumers, who are rapidly shifting their methods of doing business. It used to be in the not so distant past, a consumer would employ more traditional methods of acquiring their information: phone books, whether virtual or archaic, or navigating Google and Yahoo for their queries. This is shifting towards a new trend of depending on social media for their buying needs. They are now looking towards their social circle, a “Circle of Trust” if you will, for recommendations and activities. A simple “like” on Facebook by one user can be viewed instantaneously by their network of followers. Opportunities abound for businesses with simple, yet highly effective, new ways of marketing. A Facebook page is undoubtedly a necessity for small businesses, and a great starting point. Next up, a Twitter account, for clients (ahem, “followers”) to hear of daily happenings, or “tweets”. Even the traditional website is evolving. Consumers are increasingly dependent on their smartphones to easily access the crucial information on the go, which leads to the emergence of mobile sites. Not to mention the growing number of blogs popping up on websites, discussing everything from the newest skin-care breakthrough to the financial woes of the quarter. Not to be missed, a creative use of the QR code can also be an opportunity waiting to be tapped into, as long as innovation and imagination are used! A solid, innovative social media marketing plan ensures repeat exposure and an ongoing relationship with the consumer. Joining this online community is allowing small businesses to become a part of the client’s daily life, in an efficient and modern way. The question is, when will your business join in?