As a Social Media Consultant, it is my job to help my clients understand the ins and outs of social media, the trends and the guide on how to use it effectively. Unlike most social media strategists, I do not believe that every business, association or non profit needs to be on all the social media channels. My main job is to help clients understand the differences between the characteristics of the different social media outlets and identifying which one is the best for them. Once hired, I also help clients identify if social media really is the right avenue for them.

Here is my checklist for why you shouldn’t be on social media:

1. You think Social Media should replace your marketing efforts.
2. You don’t believe in Social Media and still think it’s a FAD.
3. You don’t know what you’re social media strategy is.
4. You don’t know your online audience.
5. You are afraid of what people might say about your company and you would rather not know.
6. You are only interested in a one way communication channel.
7. You are looking for overnight results.
8. You are afraid of change and not willing to adapt to changes in social media channels.
9. You think that like a website, your social media presence can be static.
10. You are not willing to promote others via social media.

If you any one of the points outlined above describe you and your organization, re-evaluate why you’re using social media channels. Always have a strategy and know your audience before you portray your business on any social media site.

Need help identifying your strategy? Contact a Social Media strategist like yours truly by emailing info@lumenica.com or using our booking calendar below to book a session!

- Lumenica - illuminate your web presence !

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According to a recent study by SBA, a mere 44% of new business start ups can expect to still be doing business just four years later

Problem: Starting a business affects your family, It affects the budget, the amount of time you spend them and they have to make some sacrificies.

Solution: Keep them involved -Listen to their concerns and their advice

My Comment: Great advice!  If you are going to however involve the family in business operations and major decisions, or if you are going in a partnership with a family member, remember to have a partnership agreement.  It could be a legal document or a letter of understanding that outlines duties of each involved party and expectations in addition to any sort of compensation.  This can avoid major problems in the future.

Problem: Isolation:E ntrepreneurs, by nature, are independent people.  We love the idea of being “self-made.”  Be careful not to isolate yourself though.

Solution: Network, Network, Network.

My Comment: Networking is key for any business! What most business owners focus on when it comes to networking is concentrating on events that can help bring business.  While this is important, business owners need to focus on networking events that can help them meet competitors, mentors, other start ups and potential business partnerships.

Problem: Productivity destroyers: There will always be something out there to distract you.

Solution: Make and stick to a schedule

My Comment: For tips on how to be productive while working from home, refer to my post Working from home- The good, the bad the lessons learnt

Problem: Plate overload-A startup entrepreneur has a lot on his/her plate no matter what.  But one thing that will take the wind out of your sails and kill your startup before it ever really gets off the ground is becoming overwhelmed with all you have to do.

Solution: Delegate the veggies.  Whatever you do, don’t let an overflowing plate kill your business.

My Comments: As a business consultant, one of the most deadly things that I see in a failing business is when the entrepreneur tries to be superman/superwoman and wants to do everything and anything.  Delegating, automation and outsourcing tasks is how you can protect yourself.

Problem: If you’re expecting to make a killing right off the bat, just know that is not typical.

Solution: Plan ahead, save, and spend wisely.

My Comment: Work on those financial projections, figure out your bottom line, your break even point and project with both best case scenarios and worst case scenarios.  In the projections, leave cushioning for unforeseen expenses.  For a list of free local resources that can help you with your financial projections and business planning click here.

Link to the original article from YoungEntrepreneur titled Startup Killers: Avoid becoming a statistic – http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/startup-killers-avoid-becoming-a-statistic/

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As a business consultant one of the most common things I urge businesses to do is to get feedback, know your customer, ask questions.  During a recent meeting, a client asked me to provide a list of common poll/survey applications that can be utilized.

Here is a list of the different tools I have tried out, got any others, add them to the list:

1  Linkedin Polls: I have personally used Linkedin polls and have found it easy to use and simple.  Easy to create.  Can be shared with with your network or selected professionals.  View real time results.  Get external link that can be distributed to anyone.

2  Poll Code: Free. You can customize with colors and fonts.  Quick post option for Myspace, Facebook and Wordpress.

3 FreeOnlineSurveys.com: Create email or web based surveys.  Free.  You can create upto 20 questions.  Data Analysis feature available.  You can insert videos from youtube or google video within survey.

4  Poll Daddy: Free. Real Time reporting. Embed pictures or html within poll/survey.  International language support.  Export data as XML, CSV, and receive results via email or RSS.  Works with blogger, TypePad, Wordpress etc.

5  Facebook Poll: I haven’t had any problems but I have heard some complaints.  Free. Application is easy to add.  Can be added to personal profile or business pages.  Allows you to add HTML tags to the polls.

6  Survey Monkey: Free version is quite powerful. Powerful designs available.  Different lay out options, Send automated responses to those who haven’t responded or left the survey incomplete.  Powerful reporting tool.  Highly recommend it for the analytic tools alone.

7  Constant Contact: Free 60 day trial.  Gives sample questions.  Survey wizard is quite powerful.  Customize poll with colors and your logo.  Can be embedded within website or blog.  Create custom invitation.  Send auto-reminders.  Analyze invitations and results.

8  Ace Polls: Free.  Can be added to website, blog, myspace, wordpress, email link etc.  Simple and easy to use.

9  Google Forms: Google Forms is a great way to collect information, I have utlized the online based system to gather information from clients or getting feedback specific to a client.  You can create a private poll or a public one and publish it on the web.  For more information about Google Forms and other Google Docs, read my post 10 ways to use Google Docs for Small Business.

10  Twt Poll: Another online based poll, great for social media usage.  You do need to have a twitter account to use the product.  Ability to customize the look and feel of the poll. To see more features, click here to see video.

Got any other suggestions? Email me at rabiyaj@lumenica.com or post a comment below.

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