I have lost count on how many times I have heard business owners say "I know I need to be blogging/on Facebook/MySpace/Twitter, but what I don't know is how to get started?'  When I ask how they KNOW that they need to be using these tools, I am answered with either a blank stare, or a 'well everyone else is using them!'

Apparently, John has been getting asked these same type of questions.  As he points out, these are the WRONG questions to be asking! 

Here are some questions you should be asking before launching a social media strategy:

• How would social media fit into my overall marketing strategy?  Does it align?
  
• What are the specific advantages of blogging?  Social networks?  Twitter?  What are the drawbacks of each?
• Should I consider outsourcing my social media marketing if I don't have the time?
• Am I willing to be more open with my customers and give them the ability to communicate more freely with me?

These are the types of questions you should be asking before you decide to dive into the social media waters.  Social media is not something that can work for every business, and small businesses in particular have special issues (such as time and staff) that need to be considered closely before they decide to launch a social media strategy.

Don't assume that these tools are right for you, or that you should even consider using them.  Do your homework and find out what these tools are capable of, and whether or not you are ready and willing to use them as they are intended.