For start-ups and entrepreneurs, social media = marketing. Have a social media marketing goal and work hard to achieve it. That should be your strategy!

Guy Kawasaki provides some practical tips on how to utilize social media:

* You do not need to hire consultants and experts to do it.

* Add videos and graphics to your social media.

* Use the social media sites that your potential and existing customers use. If your audience is not on Twitter, then don’t tweet!

The smaller the business, the more important social media is - it is your avenue to differentiate yourself, build a brand, and dominate a niche.

Many businesses are afraid of social media because they don’t have anything to say. However, it is about what your potential and existing customers/followers want to hear, not about what you have to say!

You’re providing a valuable service via social media. Customers/followers get information they want – whether it is content you create or content you share from other places. If your business does create original content, make sure it is written by subject matter experts – not unqualified people. Just because Janice the admin assistant or Ian the intern has a Facebook page, it does not mean they should be writing your businesses’ social media posts!

About Guy:

Guy has a diverse background. According to Guy, he "worked for Apple Inc. – a few times, Google, started some companies, became a speaker/writer, and is now chief evangelist for Canva".

Canva is an online graphic design service that allows anyone to make awesome graphics. And Guy knows how to use social media for his business!

He co-wrote the book, The Art of Social Media, which is an essential guide to get the most bang for your time, effort, and money.

Challenged Issue:

Implement social media marketing as a core part of your business!

Guy’s Actionable Tips:

* Every posting should have a graphic or video.

* If you shoot video, upload it natively to Facebook.

* On Twitter, include a graphic and up to four pictures.

Top Quotes:

* “Canva is kind of life changing if you’ve been struggling with graphics.”

* “Basically, if I am breathing, I am on social media.”

* “You really have to learn by doing.”

* “There is no loser in this!”

* “Most CEOs suck at social media.”

* “If you feel you are at a particular level, to be honest, you are probably wrong.”

Guest Links:

* Guy Kawasaki (guykawasaki.com)

* Canva (canva.com)

* The Art of Social Media (http://guykawasaki.com/books/the-art-of-social-media/)

* The Art of the Start (http://guykawasaki.com/books/the-art-of-the-start/)

Resources:

* Facebook (facebook.com)

* Twitter (twitter.com)

* Pinterest (pinterest.com)

* LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

* Nike (nike.com)

* General Motors (gm.com)

* Proctor & Gamble (http://www.pg.com/ )

* Google Plus (www.plus.google.com)

* Instagram (instagram.com)

* Richard Branson (http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson)