I am encouraged that small business owners remain optimistic about their growth expectations for 2011. According to a recent survey conducted by Intuit, 60% of small business owners expect to see growth over the next 12 months.

Additionally, 56% said they will focus on retaining (or increasing) their current customer base, and 41% would increase their marketing efforts.

What I find interesting is that many of these respondents have ignored social media as a way to attract new customers:

• Only 8% said they use Twitter
• Only 9% said they have a blog
• Only 27% use Facebook

This despite 90% saying they acquire customers via word of mouth! 

By its very nature, social networking is word of mouth.  Information gets passed from person to person, albeit in an online or virtual forum, and has the potential to reach millions of people.  Not to mention how easy it is to get started - which is precisely why I started this blog.

If you are a small business owner, I strongly urge you to develop a social media plan.  Don't know how?  Follow this blog and I'll provide tips and guidance on exactly how to do so in an easy, cost-effective way.

Doesn't your small business deserve it?