FRANCHISE REVIEWS »

Independent franchisee satisfaction reviews of today's top franchise opportunities

ADVERTISEMENTS



FBR FEATURES »

ARTICLE | May 21, 2012

Family Business: 10 Tips for Managing a Parent-Adult Child Business

A mother and her daughter, who will graduate in May from college, share ownership of a new Home Instead Senior Care franchise business, a partnership that seems tailor-made for these economic times. More college graduates are having a difficult time finding jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Teaming with a family member has proven successful. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, family-owned businesses account for 90 percent of all businesses in the U.S. (large and small) and continue to be a powerful force. And senior care franchising is one way to help new graduates get their careers off the ground. 
more >   comment

NEWS | May 18, 2012

Is Starting a Franchise From Home For You?

Fox Small Business Center offers tips and expertise on running a home-based franchise business.
more >   comment

SECTOR REPORT | April 26, 2012

Senior Care Franchise Report 2012

Franchise Business Review's special report Senior Care Franchises offers a high-level look at the senior care/home care franchising sector. We explore what services the sector provides, what’s involved from an investment standpoint, what the “typical” franchisee looks like, and how franchisee satisfaction in the sector has fared in the past year. We also identify the top senior care franchises based on our franchisee satisfaction research.
more >   comment

ASK FBR | March 19, 2012

How long have you been researching a franchise opportunity?

Franchise Business Review wants to know what you're doing in order to find that right "fit", and encourages all those interested in starting their own franchise to answer this simple question - how long have you been researching a franchise opportunity? (Click here to share) 
more >   comment
Home > Blogs

Social Media "Savvy?"...

by Kyle Stites

Remember in Pirate's of the Caribbean when Jack Sparrow continuously asks, in his fabulous British accent, "Savvy?" It's as if he asks it with just a hint of sarcasm and spite. Like "duh" you should have the knowledge and sense of exactly what is going on.

In this case, I keep asking myself (As I'm sure Jack Sparrow did on occasion), "Am I Social Media Savvy?" 2009 has proven to be a huge, and arguably successful, year for social media, but I always find that no matter how far I come to get to know it, there is always someone who is savvier than I. Something new to learn or master to make your franchise up to speed with social media. But that takes a lot of effort, and as busy franchisors it is difficult to stay right on top of the movement.

As the New Girl there are three major things I have learned when the social media effort can’t always be top on the list, and savvy-ness falls temporarily by the wayside:

1. Time – The effort it takes to be social media savvy means time, lots of it. As mentioned before there is always something new in the online learning curve. I suggest just taking 30 minutes a day and keeping up, if nothing else, with the social networks, pages, tweets you already have. Maybe 15 minutes in the morning with coffee and 15 at night to see what social media excitement happened during the day. Or all at once. The point being, make a little time for it because you would be surprised at what new things you can learn in a brief period of time on it.

2. Connections – If you recall in the movie, everyone knew Jack Sparrow. Maybe because he was a “criminal,” but mostly because he got himself out there and had built a reputation. If you are able to connect with a lot of people on these networks, that will help you become more up-to-snuff with tools and tips. If you get yourself known, your friends and followers will help you become confident in your social media efforts.

3. Quality – I have said it before, and it might be something that a pirate would lack, but quality in both time and connections is crucial for advancement. Make sure that the 30 minutes you are willing to spend is quality, progress driven time. The same goes for your connections; ie. Friends and followers. If they are quality, resourceful people themselves then it will be easy and simple to have them help you become just as savvy as they are! Asking for help from these quality folks is great too. I always ask for advice when having been under the social media radar for a bit.

These three fairly simple ideas are a start. Being savvy can sometimes be a trend, but it’s a good thing to strive for especially with the way we have seen social media positively affect franchising. So when a pirate asks you, “Savvy?” You can say, “Indeed!” …in your best British accent…

Happy franchising!

All my Best,
Kyle Stites
Marketing Coordinator
 

 

You must register to post a comment. Registration is quick & easy. If you are already an FBR member, click here.
First Name:
Last Name:
Email:
Password:
Confirm Password:
Receive updates, notifications and special offers from Franchise Business Review
 
Comment:
Verification: CAPTCHA Image
[ New Image ]
Posted by Kyle Stites on 04:41:12 PM on October 28, 2009

Thanks, Gini! I believe your advice on spending an hour a day is more effective than just 30 minutes. If time is an issue, finding someone in your office that is able to handle it and who ENJOYS it will help to make it, as you said, social and progressive. I love your input and thank you again for your expertise!

Posted by Gini Dietrich on 12:56:33 PM on October 27, 2009

Kyle - I love your analogy! But you're MUCH prettier than Jack Sparrow. I agree with your assessment here and, even for someone like me that does social media for a living, it's hard to keep on top of the next new thing. However, I recommend, if you use social media, that you spend at least an hour a day on it. I think 30 minutes isn't long enough. Keep the "social" part of social media in mind. This isn't a chore. This is networking. And if you don't have time to spend an hour a day on it. find someone who does - either internally or externally. Just like companies have sales, marketing, communication, customer service, IT, HR, etc., they eventually will have a community manager who focuses on social media. Start building that position now.