There's no debate that social media (also known as new media and digital media) is accelerating and growing by leaps and bounds. People gather their information, share opinions and experiences about a company or a product through forums, social networks and websites.

I recently read a report that said that 80%

of consumers are using the internet to find and learn more about businesses and/or products. The report also said that most consumers prefer to shop within a 5 mile radius of where they live.

Since research

is providing this information, it is imperative that you take the internet and social media seriously.

Here's your Tip of the Day...

Until now, business owners who had their business listed on Google Places (also known as Google Maps), could not respond to customer reviews. Now they can.

In order to leave a response, owners first need to verify their identity by claiming their listing. Once you have claimed your listing, follow these instructions.

As a verified Google Places business owner, you can publicly respond to maps.google.com reviews on the Place Page. First, we’d recommend reading our handy tips on how to respond to reviewers. Then take a stab at responding, by following the instructions below.

Social Media is all the rage today, but we (iMediaWorks & our strategic partners) are finding that a large amount of small businesses are not using it to grow their businesses. Also, the ones that are using social media are only dabbling in it. Why is this?

Here are a few responses...

• "I don't get it."

• "I don't understand computers."

• "Social Media is for the teenagers."

• "I don't have time."

• "I have better things to do."

One thing I really enjoy about working in the world of the internet is vast number of people you get to meet and learn from. That’s why I have asked a friend of mine Phil Strong to come and write the final principle in this series.

Phil calls himself a social entrepreneur. He and his wife Kathy start businesses with a view to growing others. The list of his business ventures, past and present, include owning a building company, a national real estate company, an on-line shop for families, a financial services company, and millions of dollars of property. All these businesses were formed with a purpose of growing the people inside them, to see them released into their own futures. Follow Phil on Twitter – @strongphil.

The Key To Guaranteeing Your Desired Outcome And Creating Maximum Impact

If you’ve ever played blindfold games as a kid, at parties, or team building exercises you’ll know what it feels like to walk blind.  That uneasy feeling of not knowing which direction you’re going and uncertain if you’ll bump your knees or walk off the edge of a step.  The loss of total control is not a nice feeling and a large part of our comfort comes from the trust you have with the person who is leading you.  (If you’re doing this exercise by yourself it’s definitely a scary experience!)