The social media revolution taking place online is causing individuals and companies to jump on board without any knowledge or strategy in place. Just the other day, I received a phone call from a friend who had just been asked to start taking over the social media responsibilities for her company. She was calling me for advice, tips and an overall consultation on how she should start managing their social media campaign. I said, "Wait, what do you mean by 'start?' If you're taking over the company's social media responsibilities, don't they already have some systems in place?"
She replied by telling me that while the company already has a website and social networks setup, there is no active management or strategy in place. Not surprised, I began to explain to her the importance of active social media management.
I think it's great that more and more businesses are realizing the power of social media. However, introducing your organization to social media without a strategy in place is like jumping into the deep end and not knowing how to swim. And while a lifejacket or floatation device may save you from drowning, it won't make you a successful swimmer. In order to be successful in using social media, you have to learn or employ the services of an expert. While the absence of a social media strategy for your organization is the number one killer, there are also myriad other mistakes that you can make online.
