Assuming that the expense of being connected is one the business already covers, the use of these tools is effectively free. So why not use them? The concern on any small business director's or entrepreneur's mind has to be whether this will be worth the effort or just another distraction in sufficiently difficult times. What can social media sites do for you?
The internet is a limitless source of information that connects millions of users around the world with each other, some looking for the information or something to buy, others doing the selling. It can bring you local custom as well as customers from all over the world. Do it right, with the right product and a killer USP (unique selling point) and the internet will do its work for you. If you've developed a comprehensive network online, have the product everyone wants and can come up with an online marketing ploy that catches the attention of those who know you, you'll soon be taking enquiries from parts of the world you didn't even know existed. Get people talking about you online and the viral distribution takes on a life of its own. Oh, and, did I mention all this is free?
There is, of course, a shocking amount of 'stuff' online, and it might sometimes feel like finding what you're looking for is akin to finding the solution for peace in the Middle East. Seek, however, and, after some time and some wild goose chases, you will indeed find. The mind boggling selection of brilliant tools at the disposal of small businesses, quite apart from pure social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, is, well, mind boggling. It would seem that the internet has a solution for everything. Issuu.com gives you the opportunity to publish, either on its own site or yours, your publication, article or newsletter in a beautiful, easy-to-read and intuitive fashion.
Google, the world's leading search engine, is so much more than just that. They're surely out to rule the world! I'm writing this article using Google documents, a free Microsoft Office-type suite of tools which gives you a word processor, spreadsheet editor and presentation creator all in one, oh, and all the room you need to store your work. With Google Analytics, detailed statistics tell you who's visiting your site and why whilst you chat with customers online through a Google Talk gadget placed on your website. Books, images, video, calendar, maps, notebooks... its got it all. And yes, its all free
Hesitation of those new to the internet is understood as it is a lot to take in. Take your time to discover all the marvels it has to offer and, when you're comfortable with it, see whether you can bring it in to your business. So, a free tool that gives you access to millions of users who might be interested in what you have to say or sell and you're not convinced? Your competitors are already doing it, fact. Some companies in Gibraltar are taking full advantage of the internet and its social media tools and, if you're not one of them, you've already missed the first boat. The next one's at the dock and you still have a little time. If, however, your business fails to embrace 'the revolution' you may fall irretrievably far behind and risk becoming a dinosaur in a business environment that is changing beyond expectation and beyond the recognition of those set to fail.