One of the things that excites me most about Social Media is the potential of leveling the “corporate playing field”. Small businesses are better able to compete with brands that have spent millions of dollars on marketing and advertising.
In fact, small businesses may have a “leg up” because there is less “red tape” to go through. It’s also much easier to get all the various departments of customer service, operations, marketing, sales etc to work together so the messaging is managed and consistent.
I think many people are tired of the lack of customer service and run-around from big companies. And, with the plethora of competition out there, consumers want the most value for their dollar. If customer service brings value, then Social Media can certainly extend the personal relationship small businesses can usually provide.
It appears that small businesses are recognizing the power of Social Media. According to the “The State of Small Business Report” from Network Solutions and the Center for Excellence in Service at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, over 75% of US small businesses have a company page on Facebook or LinkedIn and are using these platforms to extend their marketing message, monitor and connect.
In most cases, expectations of Social Media performance exceeded accomplishments:
but….
most of the small businesses polled believe Social Media will allow them to make money or break even in the future:
Social Media may be the latest “catch phrase” in marketing, but with the power it provides, it’s here to stay.
Social Media, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship….
About Leslie Hughes
Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing.
As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients.
Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management.
Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity.
Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts.
Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results.
Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate.
Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy.
Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level?
Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.
