…reply.to.all… The personal and professional blog of Steven De Costa (edited by Barb)

Will your business fall behind if it isn’t on facebook?

I think the answer on whether companies are starting off a step behind if they don't integrate with facebook is answered by thinking about how those companies might wish to hold court with their followers. For many, facebook will remain a less than relevant environment within which to post or receive messages between themselves and an audience.

More broadly speaking, will a company be at a disadvantage if they don't have a social aspect to their business? The answer here is more likely yes, but it depends on the business they are in and how they approach doing it.

The message is more important than the messenger and social environments can be seen as an extension of the 'messenger' concept. A business needs the right type of messenger. If your message aligns well with the facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or Flikr delivery methods then you should go ahead and employ those methods.

However, you wont fall behind competitors just by being absent from social media channels. You need to have a think about what your business is selling and ask what benefit you might receive by 'socialising' it with others online.