"Social media isn't appropriate for me, because my company is B2B" (business to business). I have heard this objection several times in the past couple of weeks, so I thought I would create a short post about my opinions on this subject.
I don't believe that businesses don't do business with other businesses. People do businesss with people. People are social beings. We like to connect, get the inside track, use our knowledge to help and\or impress others. Our primary tool for accomplishing these tasks is our conversations with others. Social media give us a new set of tools to start and participate in conversations. Technology helps us have these conversations more easily and sometimes provides access to conversation we wouldn't have without it.
If people do business with other peoples, and social media helps us have better conversations, then I think the answer to whether or not social media makes sense in a B2B environment is a resounding yes!
If you are struggling with the idea of how social media plays a part in your business, think about these questions:
- If someone came to your office and started asking questions, would you ignore them?
- While hanging out at your favorite golf course, one of your playing partners tells you about her friend who has a terrible problem. Fixing that problem is what you do for a liviing. Will you offer to help?
- When you are looking for help, would you prefer the opinion of someone you have "met" before, the salesperson, or a total stranger?
- If you heard someone complaining about the terrible service they received from your competitor, would you offer to help?
The conversations will take place whether you participate or not. The question is, will you?
