10 things every small business should know about using social media to promote their business.

1. Small Business & Social Media 10 Things Every Small Business Should Know

2. #1. Listen Find out what people are saying about your brand Find out what they care about Do something with what you’re learning

3. #2. Develop Social Media Policies Lays the ground rules Establishes expectations for users / followers /commenters Helps keep the tone where you want it Encourages conversation

4. #3. Have a Plan Ask Why? Set clear goals Measure often Use the right tools

5. #4. Know, Like, Trust Faces not Logos for Facebook / Twitter Avatar 12 to 1 Find Your Voice / Be Yourself

6. #5. Dedicate the Time 30 / 60/ 30 strategy 30 minute Twitter strategy Listen and research to contribute

7. #6. Create Compelling Content Provide value to visitors Blog about industry topics Interview industry leaders Post on schedule Spread your content: FB Share / Like buttons, TweetMeme, Socials

8. #7. Conquer Your Fears Don’t be afraid of opinions If you don’t promote your brand someone else will and you won’t like it Start conversations Examine results and use them to modify social media strategy

9. #8. Pull and Stay Not Push and Pray Use engagement as the new customer service and marketing Pull people in with great content, and they’ll stay for the conversation Not your father’s marketing

10. #9. ROI – It’s Not All About $$$ Measure Brand Sentiment Lose Control DO something with what you’re learning and what your customers are telling you Find business value and route to the right places

11. #10. It’s Not Rocket Surgery No Vacuum Learn from others Give more than you get

12. Jeffrey G. Allen Twitter: @fossildesigns LinkedIn: /in/jeffreygrantallen Email: info@fossilfoundry.com

13. Resources Grow Bigger Ears in 10 Minutes – http://www.chrisbrogan.com/grow-bigger-ears-in-10-minutes/ Social Media 101 by Chris Brogan (Amazon) http://bit.ly/policieskit - $149 http://hootsuite.com TwitterWorks - http://twitterworks.tv

14. Resources 50 Power Twitter Tips - http://bit.ly/9H7sqm Fascinate – Sally Hogshead Inbound Marketing - Hubspot