Mike Abasov

Social media influence your business. No matter what industry you’re in.

It’s easy to say that “my business doesn’t need this,” but it’s not true anymore. Any brand, any product, any idea are now influenced by social media. To make a good example, lets look at things that don’t even need branding — commodities.

Commodities used to be unbranded for the longest time, but this changed too. Here are 2 examples.

1. Diamonds. A complete commodity on the wholesale level. But suddenly, the word spreads about blood diamonds, and our perception shifts. Suddenly, Canadian diamonds are better than African. Surprisingly, a commodity turns into a brand and generates more revenues than ever before. All through word of mouth communications, which in essence are social media.

2. Oil. You though you couldn’t care less where it comes from. But suddenly, the word “spill” rings the bell in a much different way than before. Influence from social media? Tremendous! BP failed big time on this particular arena.

So yes, in the world where even commodities can be greatly influenced by social media, you consumer (or B2B, or personal) brand is even more affected. And there is no more time left for hesitations.