I’ve been on quite a business book reading kick this year. Mostly in an effort to better the practices with my own company, but also to learn about current technology trends to keep up with the "big guns". Every day we hear of more and more people using Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. I’ve been trying to make sense of the current social media phenomenon. After several books I think I have it, and The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk is one book that outlines very clearly why all businesses need to participate in social media during this economy.

Most of the principles outlined in this book don’t have to be practiced with just social media tools. They can be put to use with traditional media tools as well. However, the individual and/or small business can have more of a voice by paying close attention to what Gary is saying and putting the techniques he describes to practice.

In Part V: How to Win in the Thank You Economy, the Quick Version Gary briefly summarizes the book. If you already have a successful business you can review the points below and decide for yourself what is useful. If you’re looking to find new strategies, I recommend purchasing the book to get the details. The information described in this easy 234 page read could change the way you approach your businesses marketing strategies and prove to give you a jump start on your companies future growth.

For the most part I enjoyed the book. Gary has a great personality that continues to shine and reaches out as an extension to his already well know videos on Wine Library TV and the Daily Grape websites.

Part V: How to Win in the Thank You Economy, the Quick Version

• Care – about your customers, about your employees, about your brand – with everything you’ve got.
• Erase any lines in the sand – don’t be afraid of what’s new or unfamiliar.
• Show up first to market whenever possible, early the rest of the time.
• Instill a culture of caring into your business by:
• Being self-aware
• Mentally committing to change
• Setting the tone through your words and actions
• Investing in your employees
• Hiring culturally compatible DNA, and spotting it within your existing team
• Being authentic – whether online or offline, say what you mean, and mean what you say
• Empowering your people to be forthright, creative and generous
• Remember that behind every B2B transaction, there is a C.
• Speak your customer’s language.
• Allow your customers to help you shape your brand or business, but never allow them to dictate the direction in which you take it.
• Build a sense of community around your brand.
• Arrange for traditional and social media to play Ping-Pong and extend every conversation.
• Direct all of your marketing initiatives toward the emotional center, and to the creative extremes.
• Approach social media initiatives with good intent, aiming for quality engagements, not quantity.
• Use shock and awe to blow your customer’s minds and get them talking.
• If you must use tactics, use “pull” tactics that remind consumers why they should care about your brand.
• If you’re too small, play like you’re big; if you’re big, play like you’re small.
• Create a sense of community around your business or your brand.
• Don’t be afraid to crawl before you run.