New Year, New Media: How Your Business Can Utilize Social Media in 2009 Another new year has begun.  As we reflect on 2008 and look towards 2009, we should all consider the impact that new media can have on our businesses. We've made our New Year's resolutions.  On the top of our list is not only growing our presence online, but learning what will work best for our clients.  There is much to learn.  How we communicate is rapidly changing.  The Internet is impacting how we make decisions. Make 2009 the year for your business to join the ever-growing phenomenon we call social media. New Media You Should Get to Know You may have heard terms thrown around before that allude to social media: Facebook, Twitter, blogging, Digg, Web 2.0 - but do you know what they mean?  We've created a list of some of the more popular forms of social media, with tips on how they can be applied as effective public relations tools for your business. Facebook. Most of us have heard about it, but did you know it can be used to grow your business? Although originally used for social purposes, an increasing number of businesses have found value in using Facebook groups to boost their bottom lines.  Facebook groups can be used to feed company blogs, post product demonstrations, start discussions about your industry, post photos, network, etc.  Sharing information and insight can reinforce your brand and create top-of-mind awareness. Blogging. Blogging is one of the more popular forms of social media. Anyone can create a blog to discuss any topic at any time. Businesses that decide to launch blogs should focus on industry trends, relevant local or national news and providing insights into your industry.  Avoid trying to "sell" your company; readers will quickly pick up on posts with hidden agendas. LinkedIn. LinkedIn has been called, "the professional's Facebook."  According to an article in Advertising Age , there are more than 30 million LinkedIn users, 28 percent of whom are senior executives. With an average age of 38 and an average income of $93,000, the typical LinkedIn user has the power and authority to choose your brand. Creating profiles for you and your employees is a great way to network, influence and gain access to those making purchasing decisions. Get Interactive No matter what social media avenue you choose to pursue, remember that in a Web 2.0 world, interactivity is key. Find original ways to make yourself accessible to anyone visiting your Web site. Become a news source for your industry or for the industries that matter most to your consumers. Remain active in the social media accounts you create, and constantly seek opportunities to publicize your brand. Remember, social media tools are a great (and free) way to enhance an effective communications plan. Vehr Communications' Insights We offer the following Insight articles written by the professionals of Vehr Communications.  Each may offer helpful advice or insight to the benefit of your business: •  Online Media Rooms: Benefits and Uses •  Web 2.0 Companies Gain Competitive Edge with Social Networking •  "Social Media Releases" ... A Tool for Everyone To learn more about social media opportunities, contact the professionals at Vehr Communications. Good Reads about Social Media Amazon: 1. Satisfied Customers Tell Three Friends, Angry Customers Tell 3,000 by Pete Blackshaw 2. Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day by Dave Evans 3. The New Influencers: A Marketer's Guide to the New Social Media by Paul Gillin 4. Secrets of Social Media Marketing: How to Use Online Conversations and Customer Communities to Turbo-Charge Your Business by Paul Gillin PR News, PR Insights This edition of March Forth provides links (on left) to some excellent blog discussions concerning this important topic. As practitioners, we use communications to manage reputations, build relationships and deliver results.  The Internet is changing how we do it, but how we have always done it is just as important. We hope the connections we provide here, and the various additional news outlets and blogs we connect to on the Vehr Communications' Web site, help you to understand this rapidly changing industry as much as they help us.