Businesses use social networking sites to be smarter in business
WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- If you're a small business owner, you know how tough it can be to run your business, especially in tough economic times.
"The way the economy was heading in the beginning of the year, people were nervous, I think, a little bit about what it was going to do to their small businesses," said Nellie Mathous, Chamber of Commerce Events Director.
The seminars at Monday's Business Fair talked about ways to make your business smarter and more efficient. And the smartest...listen to their customers and the technologies they're using.
"It's not so much pushing your message out, but paying attention to the way the customer likes to communicate and using those modes of communication," said Karen Delmonico, Chamber of Commerce President.
Those at the business fair say the most important thing to take away is learning how to use social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to enhance your business.
"They build the buzz. They build the awareness about a business and what's going on with them. They're a way to get your name out there, and that's part of the best marketing you can do," said Jennifer King MacKenzie, Keegan Associates Executive Vice President.
"It's instant information. It's ideas. It's sharing. It's networking. It's business to business. It's even community involvement," said Mathous.
Besides using social networking sites, business owners should often check and update their websites.
"Having a website that someone can really engage in and get what they need in a quick fashion is very advantageous," said Darcy Norfolk, Ad Workshop Inphorm General Manager.
Those at the business fair say social networking is quickly becoming the norm. And learning to use the websites is a necessity.
