We get the same question over and over again from clients and prospects alike. "What if we get involved in Social Media and people say bad things about us?" For those brands or companies not yet engaging with customers using social media tools, this is a worst-case scenario.
Your customers are already talking about you. So why not get involved in the conversation? People are increasingly using social media websites and tools to vent their anger about products or receiving poor service, according to a survey. Anyone upset enough to go to your Facebook page for example and tell you what they don't like is upset enough to tell their friends and followers in your absence. Staying off social media doesn't stop the problem; it merely removes the discomfort of having to deal with it. Being on social media at least gives you the chance to respond. Social Media will therefore impact your business and decision making whether you like it or not.
As to how about engaging with your constituents and building credibility – we offer the following. Always act with integrity and don’t try and be something you’re not. Integrity is about being consistent and living up to the brand promise. Where companies typically get in trouble is when they pretend to be something they're not. Also, admit your mistakes - you’re only human like the rest of us, so if you make a mistake, admit it quickly and take any/all steps necessary to correct the situation. Then move on.
Still not sold? Find out more about how Social Media Affects Buying Behavior.
