Integrating Content

Social media has an abundance level of power and influences on businesses today. Social media has become the most used tool for interaction. What makes this a great tool is that it is free and isn't limited to members. "Facebook alone has an active membership of over on billion users. The massive population of social media, which is continuing to grow, proves that social media is not merely a phase that will be culturally outgrown" (Dolan, S. 2014). 

"Not only have social media changed the way we communicate, but these applications present great opportunities for businesses in the areas of public relations, internal and external communications, recruiting, organizational learning and collaboration, and more" (Managing and Leveraging Workplace Use of Social Media. 2012). Social media presents opportunities for businesses of free marketing and advertising. Businesses can also"interact and engage directly with their customers, forming honest and sincere conversations, in an informal environment" (Dolan, S. (2014). Social media is a valuable asset that businesses need to take advantage of. It seems as though this truly is the only way to interact with consumers, advertise and allow consumers to voice their opinions. 

"65% of small or local businesses stated that social media helped them keep connected with their customers. 50% of Facebook users under 35 were reported to follow online recommendations for products or businesses made by friends. 51% of Facebook users and 64% of Twitter users are more likely to purchase products and make use of services from business they follow on the platforms" (Dolan, S. 2014).

Social media marketing can be challenging upon first use. There are many marketing tips and tools to help your process flow smoothly. One important tip to remember when using social media for businesses is to make sure your contents gets integrated across all your platforms. It is essential that you reach all of your audiences with the same intended message. "...you should make sure your content is integrated with your goals, so you can note where you are converting sales and where you may need to try a different approach" (Behar, A. 2016).

Check it out! – Inc. Social Media Toolkit


Resources

Behar, A. (2016, January 16). Social Media Marketing: 5 Inspired 2016 Strategies Your Business Needs to Try. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-marketing-5-inspired-2016-strategies-business-needs-try-01427072#C7e9GYXrCmRty7Os.97

Dolan, S. (2014, January 31). Social Media: The Most Influential Tool for Business Communication. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.benchmarkemail.com/blogs/detail/social-media-the-most-influential-tool-for-business-communication

Managing and Leveraging Workplace Use of Social Media. (2012, December 05). Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.shrm.org/templatestools/toolkits/pages/managingsocialmedia.aspx

Leaving your Characteristics Behind

One technology influence that many businesses seem to disregard is the digital footprint businesses leaves behind.  The internet looking back at u; social sharing, messaging and email. We are leaving characteristics about us behind. It may not seem like its important, however, it is the footprint that "paints a picture of who you are" (Internet Society). This is what a company leaves behind to communicate with potential employees, business opportunities, etc. 

"One in ten internet users have a job that requires them to self-promote or market their name online" (Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. 2007)

For example, if a company makes a mistake in posting a tweet. As soon as the tweet has hit the web, that is what is left behind, and ultimately what represents your company. This can go for personal use too. If an employee, is posting a photo from a weekend party and their account is link to working for a particular company. Your photo can have an impact on your company.

"While most Americans do not actively manage their online presence, there is a segment of internet users who have jobs that require them to market their name on the internet or make information about themselves available online. As one might expect, those motivated by work-related expectations are much more likely to use a search engine to track their digital footprints" (Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. 2007).

Businesses need to be aware about how the online world represents their company as a whole. It may not seem like a technology tool for business, however, it presents the opportunity for businesses to manage how their business communications to the outside world about who they are and their values. 

What is the digital footprint you want to leave?  

Resources

Internet Society. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.internetsociety.org/your-digital-footprint-matters

Madden, M., Fox, S., Smith, A., & Vitak, J. (2007, December 16). Digital Footprints. Retrieved January 17, 2016, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2007/12/16/digital-footprints/

America Runs on Mobile

As we know technology has many changes to the way we communicate on a daily basis. It is no wonder it has made its way into the work environments across the globe. We began solely relying on email communications and eventually some instant messaging but, in today's society we have developed something more effective and efficient. Employees are now able to work remotely around the world and still be up to date on all on-site activities. Businesses are using innovative communication tools to exchange information.

“The use of virtual communication tools like ”SKYPE ‘is on the rise amongst employees and business managers. Good communication at the workplace builds strong relationships among employees and it also facilitates the flow of information which might be needed in the decision making process” (Ramey, K. 2013)

With mobility on the rise, the advancements of technology and “video conferencing tools have simplified the way we hold meetings at work, sometimes you don’t have to travel and this saves you both time and money” (Ramey, K. 2013). It has allowed individuals to communicate business relationships without even being face to face. Many years ago, it would unheard of to communicate with people without meeting them in person. Technology has left an impression on businesses, enabling work to be more efficient and simplified.

The provided infographic is a great visual on evolution of how communication was and how it has transformed us. It provides details on how ideas are created and then how they are able to be communicated to others through technology. It is incredible to see how technology has transformed over the years into this innovative tool.

Resources

The Evolution of Communication in Business. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2016, from http://www.netop.com/live-guide/resources/evolution-of-communication-in-business.htm

Ramey, K. (2013, March 15). New Technology at Workplace – Its Impact on Your Office Life. Retrieved January 16, 2016, from http://www.useoftechnology.com/technology-workplace-3/