If you are an aspiring entrepreneur with a product or small business I would recommend taking advantage of the social media outlets that are available. There are so many FREE tools and resources out there to help us realize our dream or at least to get started. The social media outlets and tools I am referring to include:

1. Periscope – is one of the latest social media platforms owned by Twitter. This app allows you to live stream from anywhere in the world. Since anyone can scope, you can follow your favorite entrepreneurs, motivational speakers, and authors. This is easily becoming my favorite since you meet new people and can develop a great relationship and rapport with them. Some of these people will gladly provide guidance to help you get your business going.
2. Instagram – is an app that allows you to share and edit photos. You can use this to tell the story behind your business. It does not have to be 100% branding and selling your products.
3. Facebook – is one of the most talked about media platforms. You can create a business page, private groups, ad campaigns, and more to promote yourself or your service.
4. Twitter – is one of my most popular social media tools. Share great things about your company in short blurbs of 140 characters. Interact regularly with your followers and connect with other business professionals for networking. One of the fun things I enjoy is Twitter chats. Twitter chats occur when groups of people within an industry or have similar interests in a topic meet at a specific time and specific day of the week. Chats are usually recurring on a monthly or weekly basis. Anyone can set up a chat and/or join one.
5. Linked In – this is one of the best platforms for professionals and small businesses to network and connect.  Use the features such as Linked In Groups, display customer referrals, and build your customer audience.
6. Google – there are so many components to Google that you can use. There are Google Ads and Google Hangouts that I can immediately think off. Checkout it out to see if it is the best option for your product or service.

As with any social platform there are good people and not so good people. Be sure to block or unfollow those who are impolite, vulgar, and who do not provide content that is in line with your goals. Many of these social media platforms can make money for you when used correctly and sometimes with a small investment depending on how you prefer to promote your business. A small investment means that you can purchase targeted campaign ads, clicks or boosts with any of the social media tools listed.

This is just a basic overview of the tools that you can use. However, you can consult with a marketing or social media content expert who can help you with layout and wording that best conveys your business or brand.

A new year is just around the corner. There is no more time to sit idly by and not pursue your dreams! Let’s continue discovering exciting ways to make it happen.