In my opinion one of the most important features in a social network is the search feature. These social and search go hand-in-hand when it comes to using social media for business.

Search within social media networks allow us to

• Find our target customers or target businesses.
• Listen and monitor what's being said.
• Transfer online relationships into practical business relationships.

These three things are the core to engagement. Social networks generate a lot of content, but if we can't search to find what we are looking for we could be missing out on crucial information. In the past searching social networks has been frustrating and on some social network platforms it still is. There was so much content and the search features were so underdeveloped it was difficult to find what you were looking for.

If we get in the habit of using search as a part of our social network experience we will make these networks more resourceful and useful for all of us. One social network understood the importance of search and has created a resource that we can use for market research, education and engagement- that network is Google+. While it's no surprise since Google+ was started by a search engine. Learn how to use search in Google+ to gain a better understanding of your customers and what your market is searching for.

Connect With Laura: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Google Plus

What's the difference in a marketing strategy and a marketing plan?

This is a common question and unfortunately many view them as the same thing. They are not. A strategy identifies the goals and objectives, your marketing plan tells you how you are going to get there. Without both of these tools businesses will often find themselves trying to sail upstream without paddles.

Most businesses that have gone through the process of creating a marketing strategy and a marketing plan will tell you that having these and using them as a roadmap can often bring order into chaos. And, let me reiterate it is a process, it's not something you can do without putting thought and effort into it.

Your marketing strategy and marketing plan serve two purposes and are well worth the time investment. Let me show you the components in each one and educate you on how they can be used to assist in reaching your business goals.

Read more:  What's the difference between a marketing strategy and a marketing plan?

Connect With Laura: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Google Plus

Did you know that there are 7610 searches on LinkedIn per minute?  There are over 50 million unique visitors that use LinkedIn each week and in 2012 there were over over 5.7 billion professionally-oriented searches on the LinkedIn platform.

LinkedIn launched on May 5, 2003 and has earned the name "the social network for professionals."   A name that has been earned with now over 200 million members worldwide.

What do we use LinkedIn for?

• 61% of social media users use LinkedIn for professional networking.
• 81% of LinkedIn users belong to at least 1 group.
• Top use of LinkedIn for entry level users is job search.
• Top use of LinkedIn for middle management and top-level executives is industry networking.

90% of LinkedIn users think the site is useful because:

• It helps to connect to individuals in the same industry as possible clients.
• It's more professional than Facebook.
• It allows me to hire people that I wouldn't regularly meet.

So whether you are using LinkedIn to create new connections, strengthen existing relations, position yourself as an expert, cultivate leads, or searching for a job statistics show that LinkedIn is important.

Now, question is - are they finding you on LinkedIn? Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so that you increase find-ability and are found when prospective clients or recruiters are looking for what you have to offer.

Connect With Laura: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Google Plus

As business owners or even marketers we are always on the lookout to learn how to remain profitable and competitive in the market place. The landscape in doing that often changes, especially in the digital world. If we take our eye off of the ball we can lose marketshare overnight.

Take for example ecommerce and the role it plays in your business growth. Ecommerce and the way consumers shop online is constantly changing it has become difficult to keep. At one point consumers feared showing online, now it's become a convenience and the norm. Their expectations of service and personalization is becoming more demanding and many businesses are having a difficult time keeping up.

This week I share with you five trends in ecommerce that you need to keep your eye on as we progress through 2013 and beyond. More than likely you've seen a few of these trends in action and to be honest there are others that no one is doing well yet including some of the top ecommerce brands. What does this meanfor you? It means there is opportunity to learn and take action when appropriate for your business. The worst thing you could do is bury your head in the sand, deny the change and be left behind.

Five Ecommerce Trends You Need to Pay Attention to in 2013

Connect With Laura: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Google Plus