Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are all over the media, and you probably ask yourself "why should I care?" What if we told you that only 14% of consumers actually trust ads, but 78% believe in the recommendations of other users? And that you could initiate these recommendations, as well as influence the conversations people have about your brand?

Too good to be true? Nope. With the right tools and strategies in place you can establish a Facebook group with a large number of followers that are open to your company's influence. And if they like what you communicate, they will spread the good news to members of their own network.

Twitter is a so-called micro-blog in the sense that you communicate by using less than 140 characters. People post updates about their whereabouts, what they are doing, or what is on their mind. You choose whose updates to follow - both individuals and businesses or organizations of interest - which presents companies with a great opportunity to connect with their target audience. It is also an effective way to monitor the conversations that people have about your business, or the industry as a whole. Imagine being able to pick up on every tweet where someone voiced their frustration about a competitor - and present them with a solution. Or being able to answer your own frustrated clients in a matter of seconds? That is efficient customer service. You are also opening up for an instant viral spread of your solution-driven mentality and high level of customer service.

It is called social media for a reason. Just because you could potentially jump straight into your clients' life and social networks doesn't mean you should. Social skills and antennas are equally important online. It is just as easy for people to kill your reputation online as it is to glorify it. One update or comment sent to a specific user at the wrong time can potentially make them block you forever. Be personal, but relevant, and keep your promises. Consequently, your social media investment will gather great returns.

Explore current opportunities - the competition is only getting stronger. There are still lots of businesses that are experimenting and taking their time to feel out the social media landscape. This is your chance to grab your share of the market while other players in the industry are still observing.

Check your own attitude. Do you put social media off because you are secretly hoping that new media has come to a halt? Or are you just waiting for us to help you get started? Make Devant your social media manager and we'll take charge of your presence on both Facebook and Twitter!