Back in 2009 when I first decided to open my business, Back On Track Solutions, using social media, other than having a website, was not on the front burner of things I needed to do to get my business up and running. Honestly, it wasn’t on any of the burners. My major concern back then was how to convey to potential customers the availability of a service that could assist them in conquering the cumbersome and overwhelming aspects of keeping their administrative business needs in check. I published my website, joined the local Chamber of Commerce, did some local advertising and did my best to network with other local business owners. These attempts seemed feeble in my attempt to grow my business. I had obtained a few customers but still did not believe that the true essence of the services Back On Track Solutions could provide to the small business owner where getting out.
Within my networking circle there was one person who kept talking about Twitter and how great it was. For the longest time I ignored it. That was until this past March. As I put it, I finally gave in and started a twitter account, @BOTSolutions to see what she was talking about. Within a month I was surprised at what I was learning from those I chose to follow. I was finding many tips that I was able to apply to my business and started seeing interest in my business increase. About the same time one of my Twitter connections made mention of a site called Empire Avenue. Being new to Social Media I wondered how a site that referred itself as the “Social Stock Market” could help my business. I signed up for it and would check back every now and then and participate in “buying” stock in others. I also joined some of the online communities they had. One of the connections I made through Empire Avenue was Social Brothers. We were both members of the Advertising, Social and Integrated Marketing community. I noticed that we were responding to the same posts. It got me curious as to who Social Brothers were. Besides “buying” stock in them on that site I checked out their website to see what they had to offer. That little look resulted in my hiring them to produce Back On Track Solutions Facebook Fan Page.
If you’re like me and are one of those small business owners who never gave Social Media a real thought, think again. It has now been over six months since I really got into the Social Media mix for my business. As hindsight would have it, I can’t believe that I didn’t get involved in it sooner. Not only has my networking base increased, but small business owners are finding out about my business and contacting me for assistance so their business can weather the storm of the current economic climate. If Social Media has been able to assist my business in this manner, just think of what it can do for yours!
