I know this seems like a silly question, as most businesses from coffee shops to hospitals are using social media these days. But not all industries have caught onto the benefits of these tools. My husband and I have had conversations about whether or not Accounting Firms would benefit from social media tools. He thinks social media is a waste of time. I see it as an opportunity for accountants to build relationships with their current clients or generate potential prospects.

The debate is out on whether or not social media generates revenues. There are entrepreneurs and businesses that have seen monetary benefits from the use of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. There are also those businesses where the benefit of social media is not about money, at least directly. They benefit from these tools by creating brand awareness or by offering free advice thereby creating goodwill in the marketplace. At some point these non-monetary benefits will generate paying clients; similar to any other marketing method.

In conversations with my business coach I have mentioned how I take a conservative approach to following back followers on Twitter. People will judge you by who you follow or who is following you. In Scott Crytron’s article Just a Tweet Away: Social Media in Accounting Firms, one CPA firms discusses their social networking strategy. While their strategy is very conservative, it fits their business ideals. It is important to develop a strategy that fits you and your business.

Regardless of the industry you work in or the type of business, social media is here to stay. If you are not using these tools, it is time to consider how you can incorporate them into your current marketing plan.