One of the largest mistakes companies who utilize social media are making is not integrating social media marketing into existing activities. What are you doing already that you can integrate social media into? Let’s get real; it’s 2010 and it’s now necessary to have a mobile device that lets you accomplish what your computer can. Think about how much more media- productive you would be if you had a mobile device that let you update Twitter, Facebook and check your e-mail while sitting in rush hour traffic or standing in line at Starbucks?

Social media can be hugely overwhelming, but now’s the time to jump right in. You can no longer afford to not participate. It’s shocking, but true; companies that do not use social media to engage the public are quickly becoming idle. Americans are largely reliant on social media to get information and updates about various industries and companies, and if you aren’t linked in you are missing out on a massive portion of your client base. Many underestimate the power social networking has to build real, working relationships with their clients.

· 60% of Americans regularly interact with companies on a social media site

· 43% of consumers say that companies should use social networks to solve the consumers’ problems

· 41% believe that companies should use social media tools to solicit feedback on products and services

Social media is still often referred to as “new media,” however it isn’t; it is media. Think about the last major news story and how you found out about it? I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of you did not read it in a newspaper. You probably got an e-mail update from an online news source or saw someone’s status or post on Facebook or Twitter. We no longer look for the news; the news finds us. (Social Media Revolution, video, YouTube.com)