Being a Friend

Last week, while hanging out at Translator, we talked about corporate use of social media, and how if used poorly, can actually hurt your business more than help it. The lesson being that just because the tools are available, doesn't mean you necessarily need to use them. For instance, I've never used a conche, and don't think I'll ever need to, while it's likely totally useful for others. But social media is different, of course, and we should consider how we can strengthen our relationships online. What's important to understand is that the etiquette between friends online and off shouldn't be too far apart. If it's all about building relationships (either case), you simply want to be a friend. Amber Mac would agree. Her new book Power Friending: Demystifying Social Media to Grow Your Business uses that philosophy as its premise. Being friends actually involves a bit of strategy, and this book addresses it from the business standpoint - creating a listening plan, being authentic, messaging execution, and building long-lasting credibility. While being friends comes as part of human nature, the history of business can make us confused as to how to act when behind the face of a company. By rethinking the issues Ms. Mac discusses in the book, we can begin to see how businesses might be overcomplicating the process. A jam-packed, but easy-to-read guide on how your business can connect with people online and turn them into friends for life.