Social Business

Two years ago, as I was recovering from a bad fall, I created a Black Duck Chimney Facebook and Instagram page.  I was reluctant to take this step because I knew what was involved in maintaining a social media site and the pitfalls that come along with the territory.  However, I quickly realized the power of social media for advertising and communication.  I was interacting with people that use the platforms as their primary communication tool.  Messenger makes it quick and easy to answer questions, while picture posts of jobs shows many new people our capabilities.  I also realized that as long as I held up my end of the bargain and offer quality products and services, the negative feedback issue can be muted.  In fact, your followers become your cheerleaders for new work.  This new form of interaction does not replace strong interpersonal relationships though.  It can get you the lead and help with communication, but it cannot help with those bonds that are forged with time spent together.  There is little more rewarding than returning to a customers house for the 10th year in a row and helping them get set up for another year of burning.  It is those kinds of relationships that I try to create with my customers.  Social media is here to stay, and the experiment is just beginning.  I am excited and a little fearful to see where it is headed, but I know that face to face is still the best way to communicate.  So log off, and go do more things that make you forget to check social media!