Social Networking and Social Media is a very hot topic right now and one that you really can’t ignore, but is it being embraced?

Many smaller businesses and organizations often question if it is really something they need to add to their marketing mix and communication streams.  When this question comes up they will often ask something like, “Are companies really using this?” and typically when this is asked they also want to know who and how.

There are several companies that are using Social Media and Social Networking in their marketing mix and communication streams.  Some big names are Dell, Southwest Airlines, Comcast and several others.

But how many really are using Social Media and Social Networking

I think you will be surprised when you realize just how many businesses are.  To give you an idea here are three thinks that provide you with over 1100 examples of Social Media being used by companies:

http://wiki.beingpeterkim.com/

http://wiki.beingpeterkim.com/page-2

http://wiki.beingpeterkim.com/master-list-3

You won’t find 1100 companies, but you will find examples of what companies are doing.  These examples contain some of the following methods:

• Twitter
• FaceBook Fan Pages
• Blogs
• Photo Sharing
• Podcasting
• Video Sharing
• Content Aggregation
• Widgets
• Complete Social Networks

Here are a few fun examples of what companies have done:

Fidelity created this mashup for users to play with: http://personal.fidelity.com/misc/buffers/labs/index.shtml

Ford is Sponsoring this Wiki: http://wherearethejoneses.wikidot.com/set:home

Rubbermaid Has a pretty neat YouTube Chanel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RubbermaidOnline

Rubbermaid is also building a nice FaceBook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/RUBBERMAID

Toys R Us ( A favorite of my kids) has a sharp looking Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/toysrus?ref=nf

Newspapers are learning they need to generate content from readers – The Wall Street Journal has over 40 content blogs available: http://blogs.wsj.com/

Wells Fargo has launched Stage Coach Island that is an interactive online virtual world: http://blog.wellsfargo.com/StagecoachIsland/

This is just a handful of examples of companies using and embracing Social Media and Social Networking tools.  To see more great examples take the time to look at the three lists and see what others are doing.

One key item that I see on these lists and I always tell people is that a Blog MUST be part of your mix.  This is where you communicate and share and this helps generate regular content.

As you begin using Social Networking and Social Media tools to market your business and connect to your customers and prospects you need to include a FaceBook Fan page into this mix.

A Facebook Fan Page will allow you to engage your target market on Facebook and reach out to them to share more information on your business as well as connect with them.

Here are several reasons that you need to create a FaceBook Fan Page and begin connecting with your target market via this tool:

• Facebook Fan Pages are free – Facebook allows you to create and maintain a fan page for free

• Search Engine Optimization or Link Love – Google and the other search engines like Bing love Facebook because it is one of the top visited sites.  Having a fan page will allow you to obtain another link in the search engines back to your business

• Instant Mailing List – You can communicate with all of your fans with one message, it provides you with an instant mailing list

• You can have an unlimited number of fans – Facebook doesn’t limit the number of fans you have

• Community – a Fan page allows you to build a community with your fans and engage them.  Often fans will contribute content and provide information so that you can determine their needs and provide them.

• Exposure – A fan page will allow for more exposure for your business

• Viral Marketing – Fan pages are a viral tool because often people will share and invite others to become a fan

• Increase influence – a fan page will allow you to share information and in doing so will increase your influence and help build your credibility

• Natural Promotion – by having a fan page and sharing information you are able to promote your business naturally without truly advertising