If I Were Running A Company…Privacy

Last week, I read two article on recruiting and internet privacy from two prominent bloggers: Laurie Ruettimann and Glen Cathey. I share those stories on my feed and one in particular replied to a friend and I about their former employer:

@stephaniekays @tracytran my old employer utilizes probably 6 upgraded “fake” LinkedIn accounts for employees to use.

— Malnurtured Snay (@MalnurturedSnay) March 18, 2013

Here’s my view of privacy: you do whatever you want. If you want to make yourself public, go ahead. If you want to be private and only keep track with friends and family, that’s fine. You set your privacy settings; but then again you have Facebook and Google collecting your data, so you’re screwed unless you never went to the internet.

In my case, I had to be public because there are many Tracy Trans out there, including porn stars (yes, I did search my name before I started this social media thing), so I have to set apart from the rest because I don’t want people be confused as a person who has boobs, but in reality, is really a boob.

The problem with searching people on the internet is how companies and employees search for people. As seen above, if companies are creating “fake” profiles to source people, what are they actually achieving? Are they trying to find dirt? The point of social media is close the communications gap so you have something to talk about on the phone or face-to-face. Having “fake profiles” won’t solve the answer.

To refresh what my profession does:

• We review the applicant’s information
• We source candidates to bring the quality pool up
• If we’re intrigued by the applicant based on the information they give, we shoot an email or make a phone call
• After the initial interviews, it goes to the hiring manager and the recruiter then becomes the advisor

Simply put, the recruiter is a scout for the organization. Great recruiters care about information and potential, and use restraint. Ordinary recruiters will try everything to find a red flag and find every flaw to put you down a notch instead of finding people and help them develop.

So we have no idea who is a real recruiter or not. The only way to determine if they’re a real recruiter is if they connect to you by phone, email, or social media. Real recruiters will connect. We’re kingmakers, not pawns.

If I Were Running A Company…Job Boards

Recently, Facebook announced they will have their own job board this summer. There was a mixed reaction in the HR and business sector about this news. Some were excited, some question it, some don’t think it would matter. In my opinion, it is how Facebook uses the job board if it succeeds or not.

If Facebook uses the job board as a post-and-pray model or use it like the classified section, the job board is useless.

If Facebook intends to be like Linkedin, they might have success, but some will question how similar Facebook is to Linkedin and don’t have enough features to pull Linkedin users to Facebook for job seeking purposes.

If Facebook uses our personal information to give us customized ads and if they intend to use that on the job board, it might be a success since you have your job title, your location, your network, and your likes and Facebook can customize your job search and give you a listing every day. The problem with that is if they use that information, it could be used by the organization and see if our personal information (which includes apps, comments, videos, and pictures) enhances or deters your application. If you been following my blog, you understand how I feel about HR (or anyone) looking at “face value.”

If Facebook uses the job board as a “community,” I think it can make long strides. Job boards have to be interactive and niche to attract job seekers. Not to beat my own drum, but the reason I started NatsJobs because part of my network were sports fans and were looking for jobs. NatsJobs was useful for job seekers since they see the score and can apply to a job at the same time, plus I can watch the discussion during the game from statistics to strategy (and science), which can translate and transfer to the workplace, if they set their mind to it.

Facebook has already a strong community in place for individuals and organizations with friends, subscribers, and likes. Facebook’s problem is their format, right now, is not conversational like Twitter and is not interactive like Google + (specifically, Hangouts).  Facebook is at the same level as Linkedin, but Linkedin has establish their social network as professionals, while most users on Facebook use it for personal matter.

I think Facebook is trying to break that stigma and by using their philosophy that everyone wants to be reached and be who you are. For the working professional, it’s combining, personal and professional, or “profersonal.” I think Facebook is trying to elevate that. The problem is not about privacy and if Facebook is abusing that (which they might). The question is can organizations and individuals embrace this new “profersonal” world? From the looks of it; the perception is we are, but in reality, we have not scratch the surface, yet.

People in my profession think the job board is dead and that social media (or to an extent, referrals) have replace it, when they need another. Job boards succeed if it’s interactive, focus on profession and industry, and it can follow-up (by recruiter or hiring manager, no matter the format). That is why niche job boards like Idealist and association job boards succeed. What Facebook is trying with the job board is 1) tell people it’s really a “profersonal” social network and 2) try to be interactive. In their end, Facebook can succeed with the job board. The question remains do job seekers and organizations embrace Facebook’s philosophy of the job board? Eventually, Facebook is right in all of this; it’s when that is relevant to them and for us.

2009 Personal Assessment

If 2008 was the “fall from grace” year, 2009 is the bridge to end the miserable moments, but having hope for the next decade.  That’s how I feel about 2009.

Professionally for 2009, think of it as it parallels to the current job market.  In the first half of the year, there was little to no business on my end.  The market was still in shambles and people were still seeking for their next job.  The second half of the year started to kick in a bit as I was called by one organization to help on their staffing, but later on, help in their HR department (since everyone in that HR department left).  Overall in the business end, everything is starting to be in place and hopefully, those are signs of jobs coming in the next year in the nonprofit, associations, and small businesses.  Although my family is not happy I’m not making a “fortune” or getting a job, I feel comfortable where my business is going and where I am at right now.

Personally, the words that describe 2009 to me: making connections.  Since nearly everyone had a bad year, it was important everyone to have a strong network.  Luckily, social networking made it’s move and now anyone knows one another (or close to it).  If it wasn’t for Twitter, I would have not met almost 2,000 of you and 1/3 face-to-face.  I have met a variety of people from HR/Recruiters, nonprofiteers, the social media littles, Caps fans, and many others.  I hope to continue that relationship for many years to come.

Which leads to 2010.  You got your basics: losing weight (I’ll make an announcement again on Lent) and growing a beard (although it looks like a goatee.  I’ll have to wait when I’m 30 to grow a beard).  There are a few things I am hoping to anticipate for:

1. Go to Southern California at the end of June for a doubleheader: NHL Entry Draft and the Annual SHRM Conference.  Signed up for media credentials for SHRM and I hope it gets approved.  The only place I traveled this year: Fredericksburg, VA for my brother’s wedding.
2. Another reason to attend the SHRM Conference: it will be 5 years since my first SHRM Conference.  Back then, it only cost me $200.  Sadly, I have to pay $1,100 if I want to attend (hence, the media credentials application)
3. Another 5-year anniversary: the NPR Summer Interns of 2005.  You will be hearing stories from about this group.
4. More business
5. Meeting people on Twitter, who I have not met face-to-face and hopefully travel (That is very unlikely, but worth a shot if I have resources).
6. The Winter Olympics and the World Cup
7. (Not anticipating) My college card expires in August. So, no more free trips on the CUE Bus in Fairfax
8. Finally…I’m going to be a first-time Uncle.

See You On The Flip Side.

#TWTRCON DC 2009

Last Thursday, I attended #Twtrcon in DC. Twtrcon is a conference for businesses that have applied Twitter in their business strategy, so no novices here.

The main reason I went to Twtrcon is to meet people I met before and finally see the faces of the people I met through Twitter the past year so they wouldn’t think I’m a fake  I can say I have reach double digits meeting the HR/Recruiting people, although I have 700 HR/Recruiting pros to meet.

Twtrcon had several sessions throughout the day. The ones I was most anticipated were Michael DiLorenzo of the NHL on real-time branding since if you go to my all-around Twitter feed you know I’m a bit “devoted” to the NHL.  I also wanted to listen to Jessica Lee and Kerry Noone’s presentation on Twitter for Recruiting since that’s my area of expertise. Both were great discussions on how to use Twitter.

Twtrcon also provided a few memorable quotes:

• “Free the Nerds”
• “People should tweet, not brands”
• “There is no social media expert”
• “Twitter is a sushi conveyor belt moving at 100 mph”
• “Twitter: blogging for lazy people”
• “If you aren’t failing you aren’t trying”
• “What wine pairs up best with bacon?”

The presentation that had everyone’s attention was Scott Harrison’s charity: water. Scott showed video and stats of how much people have donated and how their donations help in Africa. Almost everyone agreed that it was a powerful presentation, although some question that his presentation has nothing to do with Twitter. In hindsight, I agree that it wasn’t focusing on how Scott was utilizing Twitter, but I really think Scott made the point that if you have a powerful message, it can be transmitted anywhere, no matter the source. 

There are some things I want to change for Twtrcon like the 5 minute real-time tools “ad”.  I found it more promotional than informative and I wouldn’t mind if they gave us 30 minutes to walk around the area to see the new products for Twitter, which for the most part, are very useful.  Another adjustment Twtrcon should make is have a screen in front of the speaker or panel to see what questions arises, they can answer it, although if they put a screen outside the Grand Hyatt to let everyone see what people are tweeting about, that will be much better.

Overall, I thought the sessions were useful, but Tonia Ries made the greatest point in the beginning of Twtrcon that the conference is for the people to share their ideas and network with other tweeple and this conference drive that point.

This brings me to the future of Twtrcon if it is going to continue when Twitter’s popularity fades.  I remember 5 years ago people were holding local MySpace parties and everything thought it was a great idea.  Then, MySpace is off of anyone’s radar (except for the creeps).  What Twitter brought that no other social media did is involve anyone who wants to contribute of anything.  While Facebook, Linkedin and other social media do have some barriers, Twitter is making a small world even smaller.  Case in point: I met a guy who is a patient of my brother.  However, the world and technology is going fast and Twitter will eventually be in the bottom of the totem pole.  That said, there will be conferences about social media or any speciality involving social meadi and its impact.  This year is Twitter;  next year, there will likely be a Google Wave Conference;  and 5 years from now, there’s going to be a Hologram conference where people stay at their homes and bring their holographic self.  Either way, all of these conferences have one thing in common: the people, which the conferences should always be about.

Resources:

Pictures from ReadySetDC
Twtrcon Presentations
Official Twtrcon Site

#PubCamp

This was the first #Pubcamp and my first unconference and to be honest, I thought I was missing something when there was no schedule.  I then realize that people set out the schedule in the beginning.  It also helped that there was hour delay because of a bike race in DC and it was raining, but around 250 braved the rain and bikes to come to the first #pubcamp.  It is also to note that it was the quickest introduction I’ve been to and they were very helpful to know each person with each person saying their three tags. Onto the sessions I’ve attended:

Citizen Journalism and Public Media

This was the most intense of all the sessions and there are a lot of things that were said, and Jessie X sums up perfectly of why there was tension in the session.  I want add that journalism is still a competitive sport where people are still fighting for stories.  There was one person who said their site does better covering DC than other stations and websites.  That right there shows not only a generational difference, but journalism is still competitive and it is every company for themselves, which brings me to a conversation I had with Charles Meyer and this was not mentioned in the session, but people are looking more towards the internet for the news than newspapers.  Television is still important, but the internet is catching up because there are various opinions and people can select their own news and which ones they believe in.  This tells me that although it’s great you have the story, get all the information and tell the WHOLE story.  This is why NPR and other sites are getting readers/listeners/viewers because they have the time to get the whole story and not care who has the first story.  The morale of the story is get the the story right and have a lot of specifics to clarify the audience.

Social Media Success Stories

I think mostly everyone knows Public Media have been in the forefront in social media and mobile applications.  I want to bring one thing that was mention Amy Wielunski and she mention that although the average donations are down, membership is up.  This is where I believe social media plays a key role not only for Public Media, but in nonprofits and associations.  Nonprofits will not see the big donors donate anytime soon, but through social media, public media can develop an army of supporters and ask them to donate whatever amount.  However, I do think organizations like NPR, PBS, and CPB need to tell their audience/members to donate to their local stations better, but they are improving in that area.

Gaming in Social Media

This was the most anticipated of all the sessions and depending on your viewpoint, you either got it completely, or you slowly understand gaming.  In my case, it was the latter.  The first half of the session was very technical and most of true gamers would understand was going on.  In the last half of the session, almost everyone participate asking themselves: 1) if these games can bring value to the members and 2) how would stations take advantage of the games to help fund stations.  It was a great discussion and more to talk about but here are three games, in my opinion, would help the stations, members, and viewers/listeners:

• Maria Carter mentioned a FourSquare type game for NPR/PBS news and stories.
• Andy Carvin mention the best idea that NPR should have a NPR Fantasy Head League where listeners drafts a personality and gets points of being on-air and the brevity of the story.  Personally, I want this so Carl Kasell can breakdown each NPR personality, what are their strengths and weaknesses and how much potential “air time” they have.  You have your own Mel Kiper, Jr.  By the way, if I have the first pick, it would be Carl Kasell and then Tavis Smiley (we are talking about the whole public media, right?)
• The last one, which almost everyone agreed, is follow the Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me Daily Quiz model and enhance that to give current event and NPR stories to friends and family.

Conclusion

I only went on Saturday and didn’t go on Sunday, but from the live setting and the tweets, almost all of the people attending are dedicated to improve public media and bring close a community of citizens and members.  I think this was NPR, PBS, and CPB idea of to capture what vibe they have.  I think Public Media knows they have done something great for new media and their stations.  I really think the number one question is how the people attending and others donate.  Should they go for a big donation, or rally up a number of supporters who are willing to donate even if it’s a small amount?  That question will be remain to be seen, but as everyone agrees who participated at #pubcamp that they’re doing it for better relationships between media and citizens.

For more references from #pubcamp, go to Digiphile’s blog  and videos of the event.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: August 2009 Edition

I’m sick, I’m tired, it’s August. Why I am not stunned?  Let’s go.

1. Healthcare Debate

You know my prediction of Obama at the end of 2009 will have a 60% approval rating?  That doesn’t look good for now as Obama’s approval rating has dipped to 51% because of the healthcare debate.  Personally, I prefer the public option where government controls healthcare and the health insurance companies are not taking advantage of their customers/patients.  Obama wants it and so does most of the country.  The problem is two-fold:

1) We have no idea what Obama wants on healthcare reform.  We have a sense, but Obama has not blurted out the details.  That is why there is confusion on all sides.

2) Although the Democrats have 60 seats in the Senate, a quarter of the Senate Democrats are conservatives (Blue Dogs). The Senate has to respond to the people in their state and thus the main cause of the healthcare debacle.

I really don’t care for the town hall meetings since the right-wing nuts are…you know, nuts and have no room for empathy.  What should happen is after Labor Day, Obama must have a prime time appearance and lay out what he wants on healthcare reform.  Right now, he’s asking the Senate to create the reform bill, but there is no compromise in that, so he must get HIS message out before he comes another Bill Clinton.  I do hope there is healthcare reform before the end of this year, but Obama must give us specifics and tell us like adults.

2. The Social Media Wars

When Facebook acquired Friendfeed for almost $50 Million, it’s telling us that Facebook is trying to eliminate Twitter and challenge Google in the real-time search wars, conversational battle, all-purpose thingabobber.  Google have their own response this fall with Google Wave.  This is a reaction to how Twitter became a media darling, while Facebook and Google trying to catch up.  I found it odd that the traditional media ( and some social media news sites) want to make this into a war.  What I also found this interesting because in sites like Facebook, Google, and Twitter, there are sharing options that you post on either Facebook, Google, or Twitter and they all overlap.  All the social media wars is like the Chip battles with Lays, Doritos, Ruffles, and others.  Each chip has different tastes, but eventually will be in a snack box for anyone’s enjoyment.  I feel the same way for the big social media companies.  On the outside, these social media companies will compete, but on the inside, they know what’s good for the consumer and that’s a win-win.

3. Your 2009 Washington Redskins

The good news is the NFC is up in the air and almost every team has a shot at the conference crown, except for the lions and Rams.  The bad news is I don’t think the Redskins have a shot at winning a conference championship or the playoffs.  They have a talented team, but they’re not there yet.  The reason I’m talking about the Skins is this could be the last year for Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell since 2010 is an uncapped year and you know that means…Dan Snyder’s year long spending spree.  If the players care, they will help out Zorn and Campbell and if they don’t care, this will be a long season.  Hail to the Redskins, because they are going to need it.

That’s all I got. I hope next month is a little better.

What is Coming Up in the Next Few Months

I’m approaching my one year anniversary of starting my own business and there are tons of things going on in the next few months to celebrate it.  Ok, this post might be self-serving for some (or most), but I really like meeting new people on a variety of topics either for business or fun.  So, here’s the rundown:

• I will be attending a few social media and recruiting club meetings.  Check both of my Twitter account for listings.
• I’m 50/50 of attending Mashable’s Summer of Social Good Tweetup in DC, but I will be going to the Washington Twestival Local Event on September 10 (albeit it coincides with the opening of the NFL Regular Season).  Met a lot of great people from the Twestival event last February, why not attend another Twestival event?
• I will be a guest at HR Happy Hour, tentatively scheduled for August 28.  The topic is “Sports and HR”  Come join me and my Johnnie Walker Blue because I am going to get loaded on the show and cause visitors to drop.
• Going to the first Washington Capitals Convention on September 26.  Hit me up if you’re attending.  I also might attend Caps Training Camp in September.
• My birthday is on September 24…not a big deal.
• I will still do my virtual offices in the DC Metro Area. If you want to have an informal chat or discuss business, I’m open.  Again, check both my Twitter accounts for listings.

There are two big events will happen during the next few months:

• I will be doing my first workshop on “Social Media for Businesses” in October.  The details are vague right now, but email, Twitter, or call me for more details and/or you’re interested.  It’s going to happen, but I need to know who will be attending.
• Finally, the biggest news of them all…TONY KORNHEISER IS BACK ON THE RADIO!!! Mr. Tony will be back on September 8 on WTEM 980 in DC.  There will be live-streaming and podcasts.  Spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, or the old fashion way…talk to people about it.  Give thanks to Jim Zinzi for the information.

There will be more events I will be attending and I’ll announce it on my social media profiles.  I’ll see you on the flip side and give me a heads up.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: June 2009 Edition

Summer is coming up and I have to say this has been one of the mildest summers I have encountered. I really enjoying this, but then there’s always next month. Let’s get to it:

1. Domestic Terrorism

The past two weeks with the shooting of an abortion doctor at church and the shooting at the Holocaust Museum involving an 88-year old man.  Congress warned us the most dangerous threat to our country is not international, it’s domestic.  Sadly for some, the hysteria mentality looms large and some have this end of the world thinking that the world is crumbling down.  We can debate issues about gun control and abortion, but with these activities, we need to have a harder look at ourselves and not the issues at hand.

2. Iran Elections

I would write a whole blog on the Iran Elections and would like to share some information, but it is too gruesome for me to show it.  I do think the elections were rigged and influence by Ahmadinejad’s staff and Mousavi should of won the election.  Instead, a green revolution came to Iran and it is a huge mess (just look at the tweets and videos of the protests).  Mostly everyone in the western world knows where they stand.  I am also glad Obama is keeping quiet of the situation as he knows he has a powerful voice, but must be on the mark.

As for the news coverage, it has been shoddy as usual and I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but if you want great coverage of the Iran situation, go to:

• The Huffington Post
• The Daily Dish
• Twitter

3. The Lovable Losers

The Washington Natinals Nationals are pitiful and I’m going to keep saying that.  However, there might be hope.  The Nats did draft Stephen Strasburg number one and sign their second first round pick, Drew Storen already.  Now, there’s word that if the Nationals get last place again this year (ok, they’re going to be in last place), the prize for next year’s draft: Bryce Harper.

Seriously, I think the kid needs to slow down and enjoy life.  After his sophomore year, Bryce will take the GED and go to community college and be eligible for the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft and will be picked by the Nationals in all likelihood.  I hope the kid success, but he needs to be social and get out and enjoy being a teenager.  I would take full precaution.

4. Twitter and Facebook

Some of friends and family have been complaining about that I tweet too much and need to stop syncing my tweets with Facebook.  Okay, I admit I tweet a lot, but at least I don’t tell you everything I do like “I’m brushing my teeth” or “I’m in the bathroom.”

Now as for the syncing Twitter with Facebook…you have to live with that.  If you have different sets of rules for each profile from Twitter, Linked, and Facebook, that’s totally up to you and I’m fine with that.  In my case, I blur the line in all my profiles.  I would rather have a mix of my personal and professional details in all my profiles because I want everyone to get a real sense of me.  It will be never 100% but at least you get a good picture of who I am.  In Linkedin, you would know my skills and accomplishments, in Facebook, you would know my character, and on Twitter, you would know who I fit in the best.  All f them comes back to one thing…me.

Now I will warn you when a conference or a Capitals game comes up, I’m going to tweet a lot, so if you’re on Facebook, I’ll give you the signal to hide my statuses and tell you in advance how long it would be.  Now, isn’t that simple?

That is all for me…see ya.

If I Was Running A Company…Graduate Degrees

This is not a good time for new graduates (undergraduate and graduate) of getting a job.  They’re only hope is landing an internship or an entry-level job just to get a foot in the door.  Sadly, there are a few openings of those positions.  An easy solution is to get a graduate degree that you’re still honing your craft.  That might be true 2-3 years ago, but with all the information that is available, is it really necessary to have a graduate degree?

There are only a few positions that need graduate degrees from being a doctor, an architect, an engineer, and a lawyer.  A graduate degree in those areas is required because there’s an additional skill beyond what you learn and think.  Those positions are essentially a minor league farm system for firms in those areas.

What about the professional services positions like finance, communications, human resources, and others?  Although a graduate degree would be nice on your resume, it should not be a requirement in these jobs.  There are some positions that require or “strongly recommend” a Masters or MBA and some might be hesitant to apply for those positions.   Is there a way to go around it?  Absolutely.

Let’s be honest, if you are in a professional services position like myself, you’re expendable.  There are many financial, HR, marketing and communication positions.  If you’re doing a bad job, the employer can find someone else from the street and do the same work.  So, how could you differentiate yourself from the others?  You literally have to throw the kitchen sink.

Have the basics like your resume, cover letter, and references, but do not stop there.  Do some networking, build your social media profiles, join groups and follow your peers.  Then, study your position, the industry, and potential employers you want to focus from the resources you’re given from your local public library to the interwebs.  When you have the knowledge down, try to blend your knowledge, skills, and interests and start a blog.  Write a few posts of your experiences and ideas on how to tackle a situation and be very specific about it.

When you have all the materials needed, try to integrate your blog to the rest of the social media sites.  Also, start creating business cards with your contact information, background, your social media profiles and your blog website.  When you’re at a networking event, write your name on your badge and include your Twitter handle.  Then, follow-up on your contacts with your new signature line with the same things I mention on your business card.  It’s all about integration and if the recruiter loves what you’re doing, you might get a pre-screen.

A graduate degree is expensive, yet it brings a prestige to your resume which is great and all.  However, I would want employees who care about their craft.  If you’re willing to share your knowledge to an organization, do not be afraid to be out there and forward everything to a recruiter and flaunt it.  At the least, you might get a shot in a pre-screen.  .  The blog and social media would not help you get a job, but there will be someone who will give you an opportunity and when that comes…Seize It.   That is what all this information is there in the beginning: opportunity.  When you land a job, do not stop.  Continue writing your blog and still continue to learn through the different mediums because you never know the future will hold.

A graduate degree might cost a lot of money, but learning is priceless.  Don’t forget that lesson;  it might come up in an interview or a meeting.

If I Was Running A Company…Mom and Pop 2.0

I was in an online discussion with Mark Stelzner and other HR people a couple months ago about discussing his new venture, Job Angels.  In that discussion, Mark mentions the small business revolution.  I never thought of that heavily in that discussion except that I’m a small business and from time to time, I deal with small businesses, but I keep reading about small businesses everywhere I go.  Could this be a revitalization of the small business?

Small business is the biggest sector of business in this country, but with the recession, it has hit hard since banks do not have cash, the credit crunch, and small business cannot pay their payments.  I brought this up because I read two articles of how small businesses are using social media to build up their business.

One of the articles I read was Naked Pizza in New Orleans.  It started erecting a billboard when they created their Twitter account.  Their Twitter account is about specials and customer service.  Another one is BakerTweet. BakerTweet is a device where bakers tell their followers that their products (bread, pastries, etc.) are out of the oven fresh and get it while it’s hot.  Would these strategies work?

It might, but that depends on the company’s quality and execution.  I believe most small businesses have the execution by understanding and utilize social media, but that can only help in the short-term.  The quality is the long-term answer for small businesses to survive.  You can do all the marketing and customer service you want, but if the product you trying to sell does not live up to the hype, your customers will be gone in a New York minute. 

You can have friends and family to help, but it’s the others that you don’t know and repeat customers that carry your small business.  For example, I can tell you can come to my home and enjoy my mother’s pho and egg rolls for $7.  I’m likely going to be bias because well…she is my mother.  However, if my friends tell their friends about my mother’s pho and egg rolls, there is a likely chance their friends would come based on word-of-mouth. 

I have been talking a lot about social media for small business, but does it benefit in the long run?  As any small business, your business needs to grow locally first.  Go to local networking events or happy hours to attract new, local customers since they have the shortest distance to get to your product.  If most of them like the product, they will likely tell it to their network.  Social media will only work if you want your business to go regional or national.

All of this leads to possibly the return of the mom and pop setup.  Mom and pop stores run rampant in the 60s and 70s with the focus on communities.  Today with inflation and costs, some businesses have folded, some have sold to other companies, and some are surviving but barely while chain and superstores run up the city.  What is revitalizing the mom and pop setup is communities are joining together not only locally, but through social media by spreading word-of-mouth as fas as teh swine flu.  It also helps that if small businesses are hiring, you can take a step back and become a pivotal part of possibly a growing organization that could lead to big things.  However, I would take caution that pay will be small and the benefits will be little, but select which small business company you really like to help and go from there.

What social media has done is what mom and pop stores existed:  to have a conversation and relationship with neighbors and people around town.  In this concept, you’re talking to everyone.  We do live in a small world after all.