Small Business and Social Media

Small Business and Social Media

A major focus for businesses now is promoting business through social media. Social networking has become a key component of promoting products, helping customers, and ultimately building your business. The younger generation has grown up with social media, but for those who haven’t really used it, now is the time to start.

Small business owners may find it time consuming or difficult to learn about and start using different social media outlets. However, for business owners who do not devote this time, there are a lot of consumers the business could miss.

The number one social media outlet is Facebook, followed by Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest. Facebook currently has over 1 billion monthly users—imagine how many of those users are in the 15 mile radius of your business! By creating a Facebook page and promoting your business through customer comments and videos about your business, there is the potential to reach hundreds of more people on a daily basis. Other forms of social media that are listed above all have the potential to reach out to more customers as well.

To get started in social media, you as the business owner must first create a goal. For example, trying to aim for a 10% increase in social interaction could be your first goal. After the goal is in place, you must measure your success, which can be done by viewing your past topics posted to see what ones are currently working the best. Taking the time to connect with as many people as possible is the next step. If you are older, invite younger friends who can promote your page to their friends.

After you have followers, you can start to verify your site so followers know you are in control. Make sure to keep posts simple and not intricate. To promote further you can share YouTube videos on Facebook or retweet Facebook statuses from customers on Twitter. Finally, it all comes down to managing the social media presence—so taking time to update your status or new products will be a huge factor in your success.

Small Business and Social Media

Turning an American Classic on its Head

Turning an American Classic on its Head

“Will I regret that I didn't try this? You will never regret that you failed you will only regret you didn't try”- Delia Champion

Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand is a new creative business idea developed by Delia Champion and her coworker Molly Gunn in East Atlanta, Georgia. Both women had a dream to open a restaurant that would be a healthy alternative compared to other food places.

Delia and Molly originally wanted to have a food truck they could strategically place around East Atlanta. However, in Atlanta, Georgia, to receive a food truck permit, you must first have a permanent establishment, so Delia and Molly found a small venue instead. This small venue became their new restaurant.

Delia and Molly's marketing strategy is placed solely on customer service and the quality of the food. The marketing strategy implemented is an extremely basic strategy that has led these two women to great success. Hiring staff that will truly take time to talk with the customer can make all of the differences. Treating customers as a friend, encourage customers to return.

In addition, the higher quality and unique food has given them almost a niche market. The niche market is the healthy chicken sausage that not other restaurant competitors offer. Their healthy food options have aided in their success because right now no other restaurant in Atlanta can provide the consumer with this type and quality of food.

Both women have had entrepreneurial success in the past, both previously owning their own restaurants. Molly said to open her first restaurant she had to “pull the equity out of her own house.” This goes to show that opening a business does not come without risk.

When people are successful in opening a business, most of the time it does not come without risk. That is considering the fact you don’t have 1 million dollars just lying around. People take risks when they come across an idea they believe in.

Moving forward—big ideas can flourish in a small space. To be an entrepreneur does not mean you have to open a large and extravagant place—it just means you have to have the dedication and passion to pursue your dream. By coming up with simple strategies, taking a little risk, and having a true focus, everyone has the opportunity to open up their own business.

The real question remains though, “Do you?”

Small Business-Great Success