Over the past several years, businesses have flocked to social media. Many have done so because they want to, and many more have done so because they think they have to.

The increasing use of social media amongst businesses reflects the fact that social media is important, even if its value can be somewhat difficult to define and quantify. But social media is just a platform, and realizing value from its use requires the right type of use.

Businesses have been flogged over the head with the advice about being 'authentic' when using social media. But what does that really mean? Here are five tips for being authentic and maintaining authenticity with business social media use.

Make it Personal

Identity matters online. Which is why companies shouldn't build a faceless social media presence. At a very minimum, business social media profiles should be associated with a real person who has some level of autonomy and the ability to make his or her personality part of the show.

Be Honest and Open

Social Media is a medium where it is essential for companies to remain open and honest Several examples:

• Avoiding the 'social media sorry' when you don't believe an apology is deserved.
• Being able to say 'no'.
• Admitting when you've messed up.

Keeping it real can be uncomfortable from time to time because somebody, somewhere might not like a decision you make or action you take. But smart businesses recognize that you can't please everybody and that being spineless can often be far more harmful than being principled and decisive. Social media doesn't change this reality.

Don't be afraid of Opinion

A big part of 'keeping it real' that deserves individual attention is the fear of opinion that often exists amongst businesses. It's my belief, however, that one of the big reasons consumers don't trust companies is that companies often strive so hard to be 'PC' that they lose a sense of culture and personality. Instead of representing something, they end up representing nothing. Frankly, there's nothing worse from a branding perspective.

When it comes to social media, companies and their social media managers shouldn't be afraid to express an opinion (or two or three). Obviously, opinions have consequences. So 'speak first, think later' isn't an advisable approach. But 'speak, say nothing' is something that should be avoided at all costs as well, as it negates whatever potential social media has to help your business build relationships with consumers.

Focus on Interaction, not on followers

Many businesses have an unhealthy focus on the number of followers and fans they acquire on sites like Twitter and Facebook. To a certain extent, it makes sense: the number of followers or fans you have is an easy metric for assessing 'success'.

But a sizable following doesn't necessarily equate to influence or results. Which is why businesses using social media should focus more on using social media to facilitate quality interactions. This is far more likely to produce meaningful action on the part of a consumer, and will likely have a greater impact on the perceptions of the silent majority (read: the many consumers who watch, but don't participate).

Original Post: http://bit.ly/a4LZvf

attention, spark meaningful interactions and create the warm, fuzzy feelings amongst consumers that you're hoping to elicit. In other words, if your Twitter or Facebook account is an extension of your RSS feed, you're missing the point.