The most common social media tools today are LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For being successful you have to learn how and when to use them but most important is Why.

ROI and social media strategies are very hot topics and as a creative social media consultant I have got several questions about how and when to use which tool. But I use to start with Why and what is your Vision?

There is no silver bullet for being successful in using social media. I only advice you to prepare well before starting. Social media is almost worthless without goals based on purpose backed up with values and a lot of work. A different mind set is also needed where you need to replace the inefficient work you are doing today and replace it with new strategical and more efficient way of working with help of social media.

It was a similar situation a decade ago when ERP systems where implemented and updated and most of the companies thought their IT investments should solve everything. Education and the importance of master data maintenance where often neglected and the systems where blamed as the cause of almost everything which went wrong and cost to much.

The customer want to meet You! If you want to interact with your customers search for their Facebook, Twitters blogs etc. and interact from there. Far to many people are thinking from inside instead of going out and meet their customers where they want to be met and start from their customers needs. This is of course also depending on if you are doing B2B or B2C and what products/services you sell.

Are you prepared to work 24/7 or hire someone or have a dedicated staff who want to work with passion with social media? Then start immediately otherwise think thoroughly before you start to invest your time and money in social media. There are a lot of other creative ways to increase your business and one might be to leave the cozy office and do something completely new as i.e join networks as BNI "Givers Gain" and Rotary "Service above self" or visit a fair.

Creativity is more important than ever and for being successful you have to find new ways to fulfill your company's vision and goal. The vision has to be based on values which attracts people and the values must be lived up to in all of your company's activities. What are your's?

I am arranging and fund raising our Swedish delegations travel to World Children's Festival in Washington DC in June where I will hold a creative activity for the children. The work is voluntary and based on my vision for creating a sustainable society for our children and coming generations.

We have got approx. 33 000 SEK where Roslagens Saving banks Foundation donated 20 000 SEK, Hallstaviks Network 5 000 SEK and 8 000 SEK from 3 private persons. This is Great and cover almost 3 childrens and 2 teachers travel but we need approx 35 000 SEK for 3 more children and my travel.

Host families from the US Coast Guard are opening up their homes for our Swedish delegation which I am very grateful for since without them there would be no possibility to travel due to our limited budget.

Please sponsor, donate or contact me for a discussion how I can help you to increase your creativity with the usage of social media.