Confused by Social Media Lingo?

By 2010 Generation Y has come to outnumber Baby Boomers and 96% of them have not only joined a social network, but also spend considerable time using it. We also wanted to share some of our thoughts and experiences in using social media for our business. As you read through this guide, we hope that you will find the information useful in forming your business's social media plan.

Why do I take the time to use social media like Twitter and Facebook? Because after spending considerable time learning and using social media, I can safely say that we should expect our lives to radically and exponentially be changed by social media and social networks over the next few years. Many traditional forms of media that we have been using for decades are being eclipsed with a growth in membership numbers and adoption rates that we have never experienced before. Consumers no longer want or trust advertising to the same levels they did a decade ago.

What better way to know how to best serve your customers than to hear directly from them? Social media has enabled new ways to initiate conversations, respond to feedback and maintain an active dialogue with customers. It also helps keep a close eye on what is happening inside our industry.

Make no mistake; social media requires work and lots of time. Social connections don't "just happen" after signing up for accounts on popular social media platforms. Commitment, consistency and the spirit of sharing informative, helpful content are keys to your success. So use the trusted source that you already know to help you on the journey.

Swanepoel has for the last two decades written over 19 quality books, whitepapers and reports about Trends, Change, Technology and Business Models including the annual Swanepoel TRENDS Report.

Now he is also covering the exciting and fast pacing world of social media and networking. Stefan personally active on over 10 Social Media sites and has over 20,000 friends, fans and followers on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn -- so he knows social media. Together with Mel Aclaro, a strategic catalyst for social content and online education, they have now created a 100 page step-by-step Social Media Field Guide for real estate professionals.

So don't miss the social media revolution. Uncover the secrets to creating and strengthening your online persona, building a large following, mastering the most important social media and establishing a legitimate online marketing channel.

To buy Stefan's 2010 Social Media Report, please click here.

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