It seems as though everyone and everything is talking about how "Social Media" is revolutionizing the business world. From news articles to consultants and "gurus," it seems as though everyone on the planet is talking about how this new electronic method of constant contact can create revenue streams that would make John Rockefeller envious. But just HOW does social media equate into profitability for today's business owner. For an HVACR contractor seeking more customers or a service technician looking to improve his standing within his organization, do Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter really offer enough of an upside to explore the possibilities?
The answer, in no uncertain terms, is yes. The key is understanding how these platforms work, how they can benefit indviduals in the trade, and the importance of managing them once you have something started.
Facebook and Twitter offer the ability to constantly provide updates to "followers" on things your business is doing. That means that an HVACR contractor can promote specials, unique programs, or content that can add value to those followers with regular posts and updates. The key is to make those updates a.)relevant; b.)interesting; and c.)timely. Sending out a link to a site that can give homeowners information on how to lower air-conditioning bills in early November isn't going to garner a lot of interest if that business is in New England. But put out an update about how rising oil prices may impact indviduals purchasing fuel oil for their homes, and that same post in that same area carries a LOT of cache.
If you are a technician with a Facebook page, posting information about your job, links that are useful to other technicians, discussing smart phone apps, etc., are all great ways to both utilize social media and connect with other professionals in the field. LinkedIn can provide a useful platform to connect with other technicans in a wide variety of forums and service topic areas. It also gives you a viable option to place updated information about your experience, expertise and training.
Don't look at these portals as simply personal highlight pages or a way to pass the time between jobs. Turning them into interesting, professionaly focused windows to your HVACR world can make social media a truly profitable doorway.
