By now you’ve probably been hearing all the buzz around social media, but you may be wondering exactly how social networking fits into your local business internet marketing plan, and how you will benefit.

Making the Connection

It ‘s been said that a prospect needs to connect with your brand 6-7 times before they become willing buyers.  Today’s  social networking platforms actually make it easier and more economical for local businesses to make those connections.

Almost anyone under the age of 30 today considers email as passé. They communicate via social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.  These are the places where you’ll find them “hanging out.”  In the near future, when they are looking to buy your product or service, will you be socializing at their party?  Will they find their friends recommending you?  Can you risk being labeled as “stuck in the past,” while your forward thinking competitor grabs the business?

Recommendations & Reviews

78% of the population trusts peer to peer recommendations; while a mere 14% trust an advertisement.  This is how people buy today; they consult the internet before making a purchase.  If you’re the one on top of the list with 4.5 stars shining next to your name, you win.

Let’s demonstrate the power of a social recommendation.  You’ve decided it’s time to buy a new TV.  You head out to the big box electronics store where a sales person spends 1/2 an hour explaining all the bells and whistles of their newest 60″ LED TV with its ultra-slim panel, rich colors, remarkable clarity, and blah, blah, blah… In your mind you’re tossing around everything the sales person has said, when suddenly, across the store you meet eyes with one of your buddies from the in-town softball league.  He pops over to say hi, and also to gloat about his most recent purchase… a new LED TV!  He gushes on and on about watching Sunday football games now, and how it’s like the players are right there in his living room.  You check it out, and the store still stocks the same model he bought.  Now, I’m guessing that although the salesperson is still getting a sale today, he’s never going to get that 1/2 hour back he spent pitching the other TV.

Reputation Management

On the flip side, let’s say you’re not monitoring the social networks and there are numerous negative reviews showing up about your business.  I’m sure you will agree, an individual that has had a beautiful experience with your product or service may decide to leave a positive comment about it somewhere… someday.  But the person who’s had a bad experience?  That’s right; they’ll jump through flaming hoops to make sure the world knows how much you…” suck.”  Shouldn’t you be there to protect your reputation?  Perhaps make amends with your disgruntled customer?  A few too many of those reviews and you could experience a steep decline in business, and never know why.

Making It Work

So, to get started, add a little market research to your local business internet marketing plan and determine where your “ideal customer” spends their time online.  You can do this with a simple survey of your current customers.   Then get your business established on these same platforms.  The next step is simple.  You are the expert in your business; start to engage with your prospects by giving them valuable content that solves their problems related to your field.  After seeing your advice 6 or 7 times they’re going to know who the expert is, and when it comes time to spend money on the product or service, guess who they’ll be calling.

Using social media will boost your visibility on the web, increase brand awareness, put yourself in front of your desired audience, and grow your business.

Categories: Local Business Internet Marketing, Social Networking356 Comments

Author: Extor FX

356 Comments

  2. # Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

    ## A Brief History of Harvard University

    Founded in 1636, **Harvard University** is the oldest and one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the United States.
    Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard has built a global reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and influential
    alumni. From its humble beginnings as a small college established to educate clergy, it has evolved into a world-leading university that shapes the future
    across various disciplines.

    ## Harvard’s Impact on Education and Research

    Harvard is synonymous with **innovation and intellectual leadership**.

    The university boasts:

    – **12 degree-granting schools**, including the renowned **Harvard Business School**,
    **Harvard Law School**, and **Harvard Medical School**.
    – **A faculty of world-class scholars**, many of whom are Nobel laureates,
    Pulitzer Prize winners, and pioneers in their fields.
    – **Cutting-edge research**, with Harvard leading initiatives in artificial intelligence, public health, climate change, and
    more.

    Harvard’s contribution to research is immense,
    with billions of dollars allocated to scientific discoveries and technological
    advancements each year.

    ## Notable Alumni: The Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

    Harvard has produced some of the **most influential figures** in history, spanning politics,
    business, entertainment, and science. Among
    them are:

    – **Barack Obama & John F. Kennedy** – Former U.S. Presidents
    – **Mark Zuckerberg & Bill Gates** – Tech visionaries (though Gates did not graduate)
    – **Natalie Portman & Matt Damon** – Hollywood icons
    – **Malala Yousafzai** – Nobel Prize-winning activist

    The university continues to cultivate future leaders who shape industries and drive global
    progress.

    ## Harvard’s Stunning Campus and Iconic Library

    Harvard’s campus is a blend of **historical charm and modern innovation**.
    With over **200 buildings**, it features:

    – The **Harvard Yard**, home to the iconic **John Harvard Statue** (and the famous “three lies” legend).

    – The **Widener Library**, one of the largest
    university libraries in the world, housing **over 20 million volumes**.

    – State-of-the-art research centers, museums, and performing arts venues.

    ## Harvard Traditions and Student Life

    Harvard offers a **rich student experience**,
    blending academics with vibrant traditions, including:

    – **Housing system:** Students live in one of 12
    residential houses, fostering a strong sense of community.

    – **Annual Primal Scream:** A unique tradition where students de-stress by running through
    Harvard Yard before finals!
    – **The Harvard-Yale Game:** A historic football rivalry
    that unites alumni and students.

    With over **450 student organizations**, Harvard students engage
    in a diverse range of extracurricular activities,
    from entrepreneurship to performing arts.

    ## Harvard’s Global Influence

    Beyond academics, Harvard drives change in **global policy, economics, and technology**.
    The university’s research impacts healthcare, sustainability, and artificial intelligence, with partnerships across industries worldwide.
    **Harvard’s endowment**, the largest of any university, allows
    it to fund scholarships, research, and public initiatives, ensuring
    a legacy of impact for generations.

    ## Conclusion

    Harvard University is more than just a school—it’s a **symbol of excellence, innovation, and leadership**.
    Its **centuries-old traditions, groundbreaking discoveries, and
    transformative education** make it one of the most influential institutions in the
    world. Whether through its distinguished alumni, pioneering
    research, or vibrant student life, Harvard continues
    to shape the future in profound ways.

    Would you like to join the ranks of Harvard’s legendary scholars?
    The journey starts with a dream—and an application!

    https://www.harvard.edu/

    Reply

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