One of the really cool, fun and interesting things about social media and the social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is how they’re contributing to making the world a smaller place. It’s a term we hear all the time, but the world really is getting smaller. Not physically, it isn’t, we’re not doomed to implode into ourselves, but on social and business levels it really is becoming smaller.
Our ability to communicate across the globe in an instant online is changing how we think about ourselves, how we conduct our businesses and our place in this world.
The introduction of the internet, global communication and social media means we are leaving behind the idea of being national citizens and entering more of a “global citizen” stage.
Social media and Networking
A really cool way how social media and the social networks contribute to this is the ability to share everything – literally almost everything – from thoughts, to ideas, to photos, to video, to music, all the way across the world within a click.
We are able to maintain friendships and business partnerships – connections between people and the sharing of thoughts, ideas, wants, needs, desires and dreams, even from the other side of the planet. This helps everybody, especially those running a business because it expands our minds and makes us more open to ideas and experiences we may not have previously considered.
New Sights and Sounds
Florists can benefit from this by setting up a simple Facebook page, which will allow them to stay in touch with people around the world. They can learn in real-time about new flowers, arrangement techniques and what is working elsewhere for other business and also get an insight into what customers want.
Social networking sites enable people with shared interests to come together and put forward their thoughts, ideas and experiences when they would not have had the opportunity to do so even a few short years ago.
How This Can Change the World
It may seem too speculative and like placing too much thought in the process, but by sharing ideas, opinions and various media across the world with other people, friends and new business acquaintances, we really are reshaping our thought processes and our ideas of where we fit.
The local florist no longer needs to be confined to a mere postcode because they can easily enjoy a global audience, all of whom are able to share their opinions, offer fresh ideas and insight into what they enjoy, dislike and want from you specifically as a valued, paying customer.
These global customers can leave comments, strike up a dialogue and promote any business through online word-of-mouth, for free, regardless of where they are situated in the world.
This is very, very powerful and something you should consider in your own business.
Thought provoking words.
When we stop to pause to reflect, it really is remarkable how instantaneously we can communicate online, especially through social media.
I agree this is of great advantage to florists everywhere to be able to have an online presence and a customer base that is nationwide and even worldwide.
As you point out, the local florist was just that, local. And now it’s quite different. I think that local florists have an opportunity to compete even with the national brands thanks to social media — especially Facebook and Twitter as well as Pinterest and Instagram. There are all kinds of possibilities. Offering discounts and coupons via Facebook and Twitter, for instance.
I think the need for a business — especially a floral business — to have a social media presence today is just as urgent as the need for a Web site. They should consider outsourcing if they do not have experience in social media.
“We really are reshaping our thought processes and our ideas of where we fit.” I agree with this statement quite strongly. It’s true that social media does this to us, due to the fact the the world wide web is practically globalized.
Being in a globalized world (online), we experience things in an entirely new perspective, seeing things in ways other cultures see things.
Thanks for a great post!
Having an online presence can increase your customer list. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn or any other social media platform, if you own a business you have to be present in the social media arena.
Any local business can now become globalized with the use of the internet. You could be shipping your product from Amsterdam to Greece just because your customer liked the way you helped him on Facebook. Social Media can and will increase sales if you use it wisely.