Businesses tend to commit social media suicide, however, when they forget this most important and fundamental aspect of all: Social media is about conversations.

In the past, marketing and advertising was only a matter of going out and shouting “Buy stuff from us! We’re the best!” There was no two-way communication happening. Advertising was meant to tell the consumer what he/she should think about the product – end of story.

Modern society has changed that! Companies that are stale and refuse to accept this shift will fall behind the curve. The companies that stay ahead will adapt to an approach to marketing that holds true to the  core principles of conversations and transparency.

When these principles are put into action, the benefits of taking the plunge into social media are virtually limitless! Take a look at these companies who have found success through appropriately using social media.

This video really sums everything up. The advertiser/consumer break up: