First of all Happy New Year to all my readers - here's to inspiration and innovation in 2010.

Since the whole topic of Social Media exploded on the scene this past year, we ended up with some amazing opportunities for our clients - and some ideas I would like to leave you with for January.

Social Media Advertising
We currently have two clients launching Facebook and MySpace campaigns. This will include the actual ad plus what's key - a landing page for each ad that speaks specifically to the offer at hand. I can't stress the importance of tracking your results. Use dedicated phone numbers, contact forms, and if the offering fits, refer-a-friend forms.

My insurance agent client used Facebook Advertising to reach out to a target market and finally asked me to stop the campaign because he was getting too many calls. Truly I wish this kind of success for all my clients.

On yet another Social Media front, I am in the process of setting up accounts and training a local business in how best to use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked In, plus all the review sites to maximize their online activity. Should I admit that it's been fun? I'm sure that's OK, because you should love what you do for a living.

As my WSI friend Will Paccione puts it - Social Media is about being SOCIAL. My advice to you is don't jump into engaging with your clients online unless you mean it and you are actually going to devote the time to do it.

As I'm sure you all are asking: Well what's the result - has it been beneficial for your clients? While I'm confident it will be, I'll reach out to you again in a few weeks with an update.

Until then, stay warm and have a terrific January 2010 (that's "twenty-ten").