These social sites can be useful and they can be a huge waste of time. It depends on how you systematize them and if there is a clear path of intention before, through and after the social tool.

Mainly they are used to widen ones sense of self and to go deeper into narcissism.

Has twitter really helped anybody do anything in a novel way, or is it just a shorted circuit promoted as a new path?

Thank you so much! You are right on the money. I continue to watch new Twitter users fade into the sunset after a month or two. They are giving up way too early.

We just have to all keep at it.

The Franchise King
Joel Libava

I’m not surprised to learn that a majority of small businesses have not found social media sites helpful in generating leads or expanding business. Without having a strong purpose or the time to commit to social media, it’s an easy place to get lost in the noise.. But I don’t think that small businesses are unique in this respect. Social Media as a business tool is still fairly new – many companies in general, regardless of size, are still figuring out how to leverage it for business.

But I do believe that those companies that take the time to work in social media will find it rewarding. It will generate buzz, lead to new contacts – and all of that combined will generate leads and new business. I absolutely believe that small businesses – once they jump in – will find it a rewarding way of engaging with their public.