Is Social Media for All Businesses?

Social media platforms can be difficult to manage from a business standpoint. Sure, places like Coca-Cola, Victoria's Secret and Ford make it look easy because with huge hiring ability and millions in yearly revenues it is easy to hire people to take care of the organization's social channels. As a small business, however, it may be daunting hearing everyone talk about creating Facebook pages. You may think, "When will I find the time," or, "Is is that important?"

I'm hear to tell you yes! Social media is that important! In the day of "googling" everything it is important to have information readily available for potential and current clients. Facebook pages can be an ideal place for people to come find out more about you, your product/service and more practical details like business hours.

Facebook can also be a place for your consumers to influence others - for good or bad. Facebook gives consumers the ability to comment and review your business on your page. As new consumers find you on Facebook they can read the (hopefully) glowing reviews your previous customers have said about you. Or, if someone has said something not as nice, Facebook gives you the ability to defend yourself or correct information that is not accurate.

Finally, Facebook is a free tool that has huge marketing ability. Facebook provides free analytics on each business page for the page owner (Facebook calls these people administrators) to look at to see how their social media efforts are paying off. If you would like to invest money into Facebook advertising, the analytics page gives you those options as well, which include boosting posts, Facebook ads and target audiences.

Facebook is an amazing and essential tool for many business owners no matter how large the business is. As far as other social media platforms go, you will want to do a lot of research to see if the platform is a good fit for your business. Twitter usually is a difficult medium for businesses to break into and Pinterest is usually better for visually-based businesses.

Social media is essential to business now. If your business does not have a social presence, or at least a website, you are behind in the game. Now, a huge warning for those interested in social media for your business or if you already have one for your business: a vacant, inaccurate Facebook page or website is worse than not having one. Though social media is important if you do not have the time, energy or inclination to keep a page updated do not create one.

Mozzarella Sticks at the Golden Arches

I have an important announcement for humankind - McDonalds will be offering mozzarella sticks 3 for $1 nationwide! If you're as fanatic about Italian cheeses fried in delicious golden brown crusts you will want to lend an ear.

Buzzfeed wrote an article yesterday spreading the word of McDonald's decision to offer mozzarella sticks nationwide after positive feedback from the test locations earlier this year.

Some people are excited...and others not so much. However, you can never please everyone. According to the tweets Buzzfeed reported in its article, the enthusiasts are saying things like, "No lie these mozzarella sticks are bomb." But the nae-sayers are saying things like, "Word of advice: NEVER get mozzarella sticks from McDonald's."

Since they are new, the mozzarella sticks' future hangs in the balance at McDonalds, but McDonalds' PR seems pretty solid right now. Historically, McDonalds has been attacked from all sides because of things like the sugar, fat and salt contents in its food and targeting children to eat fattening meals by giving them toys. I stand by the fact that fast-food is obviously not that nutritious and if someone is that concerned then just don't choose to eat at McDonalds and stop complaining, but I digress.

The introduction of all-day breakfast menus at McDonalds (FINALLY!) and now the addition of mozzarella sticks shows me that McDonalds listens to its customers, which is great public relations. We asked for it, and they gave it to us after research that reflected a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.

This attentive listening and research on McDonalds' behalf has show positive results in both sentiment and profit for the company as well. McDonalds reported the first quarter of growing sales in the United States for the first time in two years.

As a celebration for McDonalds finally coming back to the top, lets all feast on $1 mozzarella sticks in its honor.

Chipotle in Trouble?

Recently, Chipotle is shutting down nearly 50 locations in the Pacific Northwest due to E. Coli outbreaks that could potentially link back to Chipotle stores around the area. 

According to an article by Buzzfeed, at least 22 people have contracted E. Coli after eating at Chipotle restaurants. The shutting down of the stores is a safety precaution as of now while health investigations continue.

From a PR standpoint, is this an emerging crisis for Chipotle, or will our nation's love of burritos as large as your face surpass the E. Coli scare? 

I'd like to speculate that even though at least 22 people have contracted E. Coli that could be linked to Chipotle, the restaurant chain will come out largely unscathed. I think that Chipotle's mainstream status and use of fresh foods will  overcome the present situation. Also, Chipotle's quick response to the allegations, its close investigations with the local health departments and store closures provides a strong sense of remorse and responsibility on the corporation's behalf. 

So I leave it to you - will Chipotle skate by this health threat without a scratch? Or will we have to order our extra guacamole somewhere else?