“Social Media is the future of communication, a countless array of Internet based tools and platforms that increase and enhance the sharing of information.” Social Media Defined

Do YOU know the benefits of social media?

The “what” of social media is pretty much a no-brainer, and the majority of business professionals these days have at least some understanding of the power of social media channels. But for those who haven’t taken a hard look at the “why” of social media for their coaching businesses, here is a quick reminder as to what can be achieved when using social media for business:

The Opportunity to Offer Guidance: Social media is the perfect venue to share tips, facts, resources and your own expertise in a format that will provide value to others. But the twist to this theory is to share this information, and build new relationships, with no strings attached.  If you genuinely want to help others and enhance your credibility at the same time, offer value-added information to your readers, fans, followers and connections that doesn’t include a link to a product or service. Some of the most successful people in life began their careers by selflessly helping others with no hidden agenda.

Break through the Boundaries: There are many businesses that rely on local traffic, or the physical presence of customers in order to make sales and succeed. Whether you are a brick and mortar business or an online entrepreneur, social media helps erase the boundaries of community and state. If your products or services are something that can be offered or provided online, then the world becomes your potential customer base, and social media helps connect you with those new faces.

Education: Long gone are the days of enrolling in a class, having to drive to take said class and losing an entire day of work in order to gain knowledge and education that will help grow your business. Today’s online world offers up a plethora of online learning, classes, courses and eBooks that allow education and growth within a few keystrokes. A huge rule of business is; “Never stop learning;” and the Internet affords business professionals all over the world the luxury of doing just that, without ever leaving their desk. More education and skills make you a better leader and teacher for those around you. The ability to tap into business groups or Mastermind groups has also put valuable, and sometimes game-changing, information right at our fingertips quickly and easily as well. With educational programs being promoted through social media and often conducted on online platforms, it’s easier than ever to keep up-to-date with our skills and business education.

Connecting With Peers: It’s easier than ever to connect with like minded business owners thanks to social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Competition is a healthy thing, and like it or not, many of us could learn a thing or two from our business peers and direct competitors. Social media allows growing businesses to observe other businesses and learn what works for them, and what doesn’t, without having to act like they are reenacting a spy novel.

Visibility: Ever heard the saying, “You can have the coolest product in the world, but it doesn’t mean much if no one has heard of it…?” Social media offers free business exposure for a growing business’ products and services. Businesses need to know where their ideal customer hangs out; and when they look at stats like “there are over 2.38 billion monthly active users on Facebook”…the answer becomes clear that this might just be one of the places they’ll find them. To get information in front of the eyeballs of potential or existing clients, go where they are on social media.

Do you know your WHY for being on social media? Do you know where your target market and ideal clients are hanging out? Find out where and get started so you can benefit from using social media in your business.