Question: What is one risk that small business owners take by not investing in social media for their business?
Missing out on Potential Customers
"We’re in an age where every “legit” company should have a strong Facebook page and/or Twitter account with an active follower base. Being present on Facebook and Twitter gives people the opportunity to see what the general public thinks of you and shows potential customers that you are accessible. If you're missing a social media presence, potential customers may choose the competition over you."
@bkparikh
Losing Credibility
"Should an individual have a LinkedIn page? Social media is the equivalent of LinkedIn for businesses. It builds trust and credibility. In many industries, the first thing people do before making a purchase decision is check a company's Facebook page and Twitter account. Choosing not to focus on social media risks having your company labeled as a fly-by-night operation."
@mitchgordongo
Letting Your Competitors Take Advantage
"It's easy for another company to stake out accounts for your identities on various social media sites, making it much tougher for you to protect your brand. In a way, opting out of social media is like letting your competitors answer the phone for your company: they'll be able to talk to the people who were originally looking for you."
@thursdayb
Becoming Obsolete
"Social media isn't just something to consider -- it's an expectation from your customers. If you do not at least take a little time to give yourself a presence, you will not be heard from online, you will not be able to build customer relationships through this channel, and the opportunities will go to your competitors. "
@andykaruza
Losing Your Customers' Attention
"You risk losing your customers' attention. Your clients are pulled in many different directions, and if you don’t invest in building relationships with them -- including via social media -- you risk having your customers forget about you."
@chuckcohn
Ruining Your Reputation
"By not investing in social media, you risk ruining your reputation as a customer-friendly business. Whether you participate or not, your customers will post on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, etc. You can either join the conversation and show you care or not join, which shows you don't care. Why risk the reputation that you don't care about your customers? "
@davekerpen
