5 Businesses that Should NOT be on Social Media

I know, it’s quite vogue right now to have a business Facebook page and a Twitter account, and maybe a corporate profile on LinkedIn. And so many blogs and news stories are focused on why your business should be involved in social media. But there are some businesses that really shouldn’t spend their time on social media – here are 5 of them. If your business is one of these, you’re off the hook, no reason worry about it.

When You Shouldn’t Be on Social Media

1. The public HATES you. If you’re the business we all love to hate (and you’re not OK with it) then you have no business being on social media. Opening a Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn account is asking for all those customers who dislike you to share their true feelings about your business. And if you feel you can circumvent that reality simply by not allowing individuals to comment on your wall…you don’t belong in social media. Social media is about a two way conversation – not a one way conversation.
2. Your business bores you. If your business bores you, then you’re not likely to find anything interesting to say on your social media accounts. And if YOU can’t find anything interesting to say, it’s unlikely that your customers will be willing to follow your accounts, which makes it just a waste of time. Speaking of a waste – have you considered doing something you LOVE?
3. Your customers and supporters are off the grid. If your target demographic are individuals living “off the grid,” well then you also get a pass. Since your customers don’t want anyone to know what they’re up to, your time is utterly wasted on being in social media. In fact, if you did decide to get on social media, you’d probably see your customers start doing business with someone more anonymous.
4. You want your business to remain–unknown. If your business plans call for your business to remain a “best kept secret.” And you don’t want word of mouth, don’t want your business to grow, and don’t want to see your revenues increase – then social media is not for you. It will do just the opposite for your business and is therefore, not a good use of your time or money.
5. Your professional standards organization says “No.” There are a few professional standards organizations out there that have either failed to provide guidance on participating in social media or have suggested not getting involved right now. If you need their endorsement to stay in business – don’t do it, stay away from social media. Do not risk the wrath of your professional standards organization.

This is, obviously, not a comprehensive list – help me out, what other businesses do you think don’t belong on social media? It should make for an interesting conversation and I’m looking forward to your input!