FtcWindsor

A social media client can improve a number of things. For example, the use of a social media client improved the number of followers I have. It also, when used properly, allows you to manage your time properly. However the most important part is that it allows you look at all aspects of your social media portfolio e.g. your blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, twitter etc. Furthermore you can integrate the different mediums – for example you can easily get the blog to send a tweet or for a conversation that you are having on twitter to be posted on Facebook. So, you become more efficient as you are not having to cross post manually. You also become more effective because you use the mediums to their potential. (Now not all media clients can do everything so it is worthwhile taking the time to read some reviews before you decide which one is best for you. I use two media clients as at present Hootsuite does not allow you to integrate a ‘independent’ blog).

Having considered the pros or positive aspects of a social media client, it is important that I mention that some people might loose their authenticity if they become too reliant on a client. So I suggest that you actively check and log on to your client – thus authenticity will not be compromised.

I will go through social media which might suit B2B business and what outline a few things that can be done using that medium. (Please note, it is not designed to be a comprehensive list.)

B2B:

• A blog – a blog can be used to educate consumers on what your business. It can also be used to promote your business by providing information and showing the knowledge base embedded in the business.
• LinkedIn – some people might be wary about using LinkedIn for a business. However, employees or owners can openly show their skill set off to other people and be linked to a business profile. Illustrating the strength of the business. LinkedIn is also often used by  business people to link up with other people and / or people they have worked with in the past. Providing a unique way to grow your network. I am aware of some companies using it as a cold call contact point for new employees, research and new customers.
• Twitter – is a good way to establish a rapport with customers as well as link in to people who might become new customers or might recommend you to people seeking your services. It can also keep business people updated on current events and skills in there area.
• There are also communication devices such as skype that can be used to reduce costs as well as communicate with clients and/or communicate with people working on a projects. Similarly there are ways of sharing files so that people can work on the same file but from different locations e.g. dropbox
• A businesses could also share knowledge through mediums such a YouTube or slideshare.