“The Facebook Era: Tapping Online Social Networks to Market, Sell, and Innovate”

The Facebook Era: Tapping Online Social Networks to Market, Sell, and Innovate – Clara Shih – ISBN 978-0137085125

From the cover:  “Whether you know it or not, Facebook and Twitter are transforming your business in profound and significant ways.

“Just like we had to learn email 15 years ago, we need to embrace the new rules and possibilities of business in The Facebook Era to stay profitable and relevant today.”

From my review at Amazon:  

Great education if you are a professional or have a small business

Social media has its own etiquette and social norms.  If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, you need to get familiar with the environment.  Social media are developing fast.  If you don’t want to get left behind, you need to get a handle on this evolving area so you can join in.  This book provides great background on where things are at the moment and how to get involved in social media.

Contrary to what the title suggests, the author provides background on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  Each has its own characteristics, abilities and limitations.  You will better understand all of them after reading this book.  You will learn that the Facebook community is actually a very business-friendly environment.

Did you know that a lot of small businesses are letting go of their website?  In many respects, Facebook provides more capabilities that are easier, faster, and far cheaper to use than a website.  For many businesses, a website might not be needed anymore.

What is going on in social media now?  How do you reach your audience through social media, whether it is customers, potential employees, or people who might love to join your social cause?  How could you put together a strategy to use social media to further your business or nonprofit or recruiting goals?  This book can help you answer those questions and develop your strategy.

The last few chapters provide some special insight for small businesses and nonprofits along with ideas to ponder for successfully implementing policies and processes.

Note: this is cross-posted from my blog at www.ulvog.wordpress.com