This is the third installment in our on-going series on Social Media for Manufacturing.  This is an extension of a recent seminar Web Marketing Manager Carmen Fontana gave on the topic for the Cleveland manufacturing association, WIRE-net. While geared towards industrial companies, many of the principles can be applied to businesses of all types.

Social Media dominates the headlines.  From LinkedIn’s huge IPO to the latest and greatest from Facebook and Google, it seems we can’t escape it.

That said, does it make sense as a marketing tool for Manufacturers?  Let’s start by looking at the cold hard facts.  The following graph compares data on Social Media adoption rates between manufacturers (Source: GlobalSpec) and small businesses in general (Source: MerhcantCircle)

I think the data speaks for itself.  Social Media has not been embraced as quickly by manufacturers as it has by other small and medium businesses.

Social Media is still evolving for industrial companies.  Right now, it should be a complimentary item to the rest of your marketing strategy.  Be aware of it, start testing the waters, but don’t abandon all you tried and true methods just yet.  However, Industrial Internet Marketing, and Social Media in particular, is changing rapidly.  Six months from now, the story may be completely different.

That’s why WRIS is recommending that our manufacturing clients get exposed to and start testing out the Social Media waters.  If (and more likely, when) it becomes universally adopted by the industrial sector, those early movers will have a distinct advantage.

Next installment: The Social Media Process

Google Apps is a powerful, cost-effective tool that allows small and medium-sized businesses to run their companies more efficiently and collaboratively.

However, we find that many organizations do not fully understand what it is and how to leverage it for their business.

Below we answer some common questions and misconceptions about the product.
 
Why should I replace my Exchange server with Google Apps?

For small and medium-sized organizations with limited technical staff, Exchange can be cumbersome to administer.  Google Apps provides a streamlined solution that requires no hardware or software and is completely on the "cloud".

You can purchase Google Apps directly from Google or through an Authorized Reseller. By using an Authorized Reseller, you get the best of both worlds.  The reseller provides convenient, personalized services and Google provides its industry leading technology services.
(Shameless plug: WRIS is a proud Google Apps Reseller)

What does it cost?

Google Apps is surprisingly affordable.  Most organizations find that they get more for less with Google Apps.  But don’t take our word for it – check out this Google Apps versus Microsoft Exchange cost calculator.

Can I still use Outlook?

Of course!  With Google Apps for Business you get 25GB of storage space (which is a lot!), interoperability with Microsoft Outlook and Blackberry systems, unlimited users and a bunch of fancy security options.  And it's compatible with your mobile device, be it iPhone, Android, Blackberry or Windows Mobile.

How about spam filtering?

Google’s best of breed email filtering services, Google Message Services (aka Postini), is included.  WRIS is an authorized Postini Reseller.

Besides email, what does Google Apps give me?

In addition to being a powerful email solution, Google Apps provides a variety of highly useful business productivity tools.  One of the most popular is Google Docs which allows multiple people to edit documents online.  Some of the other great tools are calendaring, Google Video and Google Groups.

I thought Google Apps was free.  Why are you selling it?

Some portions of the Google Apps product suite are free.  However, many of the items that appeal to small and medium-sized businesses Google charges for (you will hear it called “Google Apps for Business” sometimes).  For example, you can only get Outlook connectivity with the paid version of Google Apps.  The free version also limits the number of users as well as the amount of storage space.

Why should I purchase it through a Google Apps reseller?

Since we’re experienced in migrating companies to Google Apps, we can help you transition efficiently to minimize downtime and costs.  Our support team is local and responsive; two important factors to consider anytime systems are changed.

Summer is in full swing here at WRIS. In the spirit of sunshine, our team QA for the week is:

What is your favorite thing to do/eat in the summer that you can't do/eat the rest of the year?

Carmen: One of the best parts of summer is being able to swim outside.  Whether it is lap swimming to get ready for triathlon season (another great part of summer) or just playing in the shallow end with my little boys, there’s just something magical about the smell of chlorine and sun!

Salli: Throwing open all the windows first thing in the morning and leaving them open until late at night.  I love the smell of fresh air throughout the house.

Charlie: I would have to say the ability to cook out and hang outside at night.  I know you can do this in the other seasons but it’s just not the same as summer.

Bonny: Gazpacho- I would eat it every day if I could.

John: I like to grill and chill out outside with friends and family. Also walking around the neighborhood is always nice in the summer.

Sandy: Watching the fireflies in our backyard at dusk; I’ve only lived east of the Rockies for four years, and they’re still magical to me.

Debbie: Hanging out by the pool with friends!

This is the second installment in our on-going series on Social Media for Manufacturing.  This is an extension of a recent seminar Web Marketing Manager Carmen Fontana gave on the topic for the Cleveland manufacturing association, WIRE-net. While geared towards industrial companies, many of the principles can be applied to businesses of all types.

There are tons and tons of social media channels out there.  From the common to the not so common, it can be overwhelming understanding the differences between all the different platforms.  

Here are a few of the most common social media outlets used by manufacturers:

• Blogs – An extension of your website, blogs allow you to share extended thoughts, ideas and commentary about your business and industry.  They are usually between 300 and 500 words, which requires a serious time commitment in order to be produced on a regular basis.  If you can find the time, they can really be worth it.  The content produced adds to the usability of your site and positions your company as a thought leader.  And it is great for search engine optimization!
• Facebook – The biggest social media platform of them all is seeing a lot of action from manufacturing companies.  Since many marketers already have a personal account, it is an easy transition to setting up a corporate one for their company.  That said, Facebook is not always the best route for industrial companies.  One, there is still quite a few companies that block Facebook on their internal networks, leaving your company’s corporate Facebook page inaccessible.  Second, there is a perception that Facebook is a “playground” of sorts and not appropriate for B2B companies.  This may change as more and more B2B companies break ground on Facebook.
• Twitter – A “microblogging” site, Twitter users converse in 140 character “tweets”.  Since it is less time intensive than blogs, many companies are turning to Twitter to converse with their “followers”.  However, it is still fledging in the industrial world and only time will tell if it gets universally adopted by this group.
• LinkedIn – The more “professional” social networking platform, LinkedIn allows individuals and companies to connect and share information in a more formal atmosphere.  No vacation pictures or videos of funny dog tricks here!
• YouTube – This well-known video sharing site is growing in popularity among industrial marketers because it allows companies to show (versus tell about) their product.  This is especially important where product installations may be particularly large or custom.  Additionally, videos cut down the language barriers that many international manufacturers contend with.  As the old adage goes, a picture (or in this case – a video) is worth a thousand words!

Next installment: How does Social Media fit into your manufacturing marketing plan?