This question is difficult for me to answer because I do a great deal of social networking, writing for the Web, and provide support to authors and business people. Much of my support involves social networking, Web sites, and the online world.
I tell you all of this so that you do not think my answer biased. I've met people who run successful businesses with no online presence. None. They do not even have a Web site. That these people are running a successful business, using only a free email address, cannot be denied.
So, do you require social networking and the online world to be a successful business person? No, you do not, but look at what you're missing.
The net offers you an around-the-clock marketing machine that cannot hurt you. Further, it will cost you the time it takes to use it. This is like me giving you a new Rolls Royce, a Cadillac, and a Lexus - totally free of charge forever. All you need do is keep the tires inflated. That dollar amount pales when you consider the cost of the Internet, the Web, social networking sites, search engines. You can use all of that, and more, at no charge.
If the above disclaimer is not enough to show you where I stand let me say this, I believe in the net. I know and see what it can do for any business, that includes your's.
Soon, without a Web presence people will wonder if you are real. Soon being online will be needed because that is where clients will find you.
To use social networking or not is your choice. One way or the other we wish you the best of good luck now and forever, but it takes more to be and stay successful.
If you need no more than a phone to do the job, read tomorrows post where we discuss how you can use a cheap cell phone to collect customer feedback because some companies deal with clients who are not online.
Tomorrow: When you clients are not online, use a cheap cell phone for their feedback.
