At the NBAA 2009 convention, I attended a session on social media and the potential for companies to utilize online sites as marketing tools.
For those that might be unfamiliar, the term “social media” is meant to refer to such online sites as Facebook and Twitter.
The consensus by the panel and many of the attendees was that they can be effective (and free) tools for companies. With the press of a few buttons, thousands of people can receive useful information in an instant.
However, there are certain important considerations, such as company policy, legal issues and the potential for negative backlash.
I’m wondering if you’ve branched out your marketing efforts to include social media. If so, have you found it to be beneficial?
I have admittedly been slow to jump on the social media bandwagon. I've been apprehensive about the concept. The idea that thousands can view information in an instant is exciting, but can also be a bit intimidating; those messages that are put out there for display become part of the public sphere. Or, in other words, you have to watch what you say.
But, it’s becoming clear that these online sites are here to stay, as their popularity continues to grow.
So I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Are you open to using these online sites as marketing tools? Do you have a company policy when it comes to social media? What do you see as the advantages and potential drawbacks?