The buzz words of the day are social media and social networking.  For those that are doubting the viability here are some very interesting numbers.

56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection with, and better served by, companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment.

When Americans were asked about specific types of interactions:

• 43% say that companies should use social networks to solve my problems
• 41% want companies to solicit feedback on their products and services
• 37% feel that companies should develop new ways for consumers to interact with their brand
• 33% of men and 17% of women interact frequently (one or more times per week) with companies via social media

What is more impressive is that 85% of consumers that fall into Generation Y (born after 1979) participate in social networking and 57% reported involvement with blogs. The biggest thing to take away from this information is that 85% of American want companies to interact with them via these channels and 93% believe they should have a presence.  (source 2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study)

Interaction is more than a one way pitch.  It is about receiving feedback and helping consumers before they have a desire for your product.  This gives you the opportunity as a company and as an individual professional to reach more people faster than any other traditional medium. Developing a social media / social networking strategy for attracting new business and retaining customers is not a simple by the numbers proposition.  It requires you to get in and get your hands dirty to develop these presences or you can outsource it.  The real key is to get started now if you have not already. Stay up to date with marketing strategies and auto industry best practices at DrivingSales