I read a quote on twitter recently that asked “could the world survive without Facebook?” The answer is yes, absolutely! Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, these are all just the platforms we use on the greater platform that is the internet. It is important to remember that the social web,especially as it applies to business, is not limited to singular sites such as Facebook. The consumer internet is changing everyday to keep up with our evolving social tenancies. The culture shift that is now for the first time in history giving the consumer the opportunity to pick and choose the content they want to receive and have it brought directly to them on their phones, laptops, and iPads makes Brand Equity and Social Standing more important that it ever has been before.

As this is important business, it is important to realize the big picture. An industry thought leader, Gary Vaynerchuk, likes to say “As we all go Jetsons, the stuff that’s going to matter is Flintstones.” The the social web is bringing us closer to the rest of the world than we ever have been before. There is no more hiding for people or businesses. Now that the average individual can pull out their smartphone and share a message that is instantly received by hundreds if not thousands of people, you can not afford to have unhappy customers. Don’t forget, that’s just thinking defensively.

Also, if you want to be successful you must be proactive, you must think offensively as well. Research and Point of Sale Decisions are being made under the influence of an individuals Social Network. This leaves a HUGE opportunity for companies that want to make the be successful in both the near and distant future. Remember those small town business rules our grandparents and great grandparents lived by? That is how to be successful in 2014 and beyond. The small town mom and pop business values are the going to be the root of success. Personalized service, making the customer feel important, and building solid relationships will influence buyers to be lifetime customers. More importantly, those lifetime customers will be influencing everyone in their social grasp and the people receiving it will consider that social suggestion and influence more relevant than manufacturer’s advertisements.

We as business men and women can’t afford to wait when it comes to social, but remember it is not necessarily about Facebook or Twitter ect., it’s about building strong, long lasting relationships with your customers. This is the way to succeed in tomorrows business world.