Not all social media development efforts are destined for Facebook greatness, but by not losing site of the needs of social media users — particularly their need to feel heard and listened to — a businesses social media development efforts are far more likely to succeed.

There is no question that charities and non-profits need monetary support in order to keep running. But these organizations need even more than that; they also need exposure – and the more eyeballs they can get on their website, the more chance they will receive monetary support.

The benefits of social media for your small business are numerous, but let’s review of few of the best reasons for incorporating social media efforts into your business plans.

Christy DeKoning, a contemporary Portrait Artist, has advertised her Facebook Fan page with the ultimate fan-based appeal — offering free artwork. Now this may seem like a minor effort, after all there are dozens of artists with Fan pages online, but Christy’s hook is unique in one way that makes her effort stand out above the others.

This new world of social media consciousness can be one of the greatest development of our time. If in the end we recognize the merit and skills of those who manage our communities, small, large and otherwise, both virtual and real, professional and personal, as well as those who grow, build, and develop those communities, we will truly be moving in the right direction.

Not all social media development efforts are destined for Facebook greatness, but by not losing site of the needs of social media users — particularly their need to feel heard and listened to — a businesses social media development efforts are far more likely to succeed.