What Is "Social Media" and Why Should You Use It?

"Social Media" is the latest in buzz words in the Internet networking genre. So, what is "social media", exactly? Here's the definition:

Social media are primarily Internet and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information with others via integration of technology, telecommunications, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio.

Okay, so you're talking Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and all those sites that your children & "young people" use. Most people know about that.

The secret is that businesses of all shapes and sizes are using these social media platforms to promote and market their business - and they are making money. Most businesses have realized the power that these social networks have. As consumers we can write instant reviews of products, upload instant videos on YouTube, and follow power bloggers who have great influence. And then with just a push of a button, we can share information to dozens of other social sites. These tools are pretty powerful.

Now, more than ever before, the Internet has leveled the playing field for anyone to make money. If others are making money - don't you think you should too?

Even if you have a website online, you still need to drive traffic to the site. You still need to market. You still need to increase your Google rankings.

How can you do that? By writing articles, blogs, posting on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. You can join groups and forums and connect with others in your "niche". Everyone loves videos, and the people have spoken. Using videos on your website, blog, YouTube and other sites is the preferred method of getting traffic. We all have video cameras in our phone and in our digital cameras. Free video converters can get your video uploaded onto YouTube in minutes.

We're fortunate we live in this technology age - that keeps getting better and faster every day. There are tons of programs out there to get as much exposure as possible, and guess what? Most of it is free.

Using social media - is developing the relationships that you need to be successful online. It's all about relationships. Once you start using these sites, it's amazing how many great strategic alliances you can make online.

If you're serious about growing your business, then you need to invest the time and effort into developing an online presence. If children and young adults can do it, so you can you. If others less talented can do it, so you can you. Don't let the fact that you haven't started or don't know how, stop you. Anyone who is passionate about their business can market and promote themselves Online. It just takes an investment of time and learning.

Laureen Falco is a CPA/Entrepreneur/Artist who has produced a soy candle instructional DVD at http://www.SoyCandleU.com. She regularly blogs about creative endeavors, spiritual topics and internet marketing.

Laureen is conducting a workshop "How to Use Social Media to Market your Business" workshop in the Clear Lake area of Houston, TX on Saturday, October 9th, from 9-5. More information is available at http://www.ClearLakeSocialMedia.com.