By now most businesses understand that social media is an effective tool for reaching targeted audiences. In fact, the myriad vehicles of social networking allow a message to be relayed exponentially to like-minded individuals.  

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There is no doubt that consumers expect interaction and third-party endorsement. Still, the benefits of spending time to participate in social media can be hard to see.

Here's an example of how social media can help connect people with similar interests by making the world of information smaller and more targeted.   

About five weeks ago, Daniel Rustin of Acrilex joined the Surface & Panel community site. He took advantage of opportunities to post videos and join emerging groups. He even wrote a compelling blog entitled "What Does Green Mean?" that went out via S&P's social networks. Already Rustin has been contacted, via the S&P community site, by one of North America's largest components manufacturers, who happens to be launching an acrylic line.  

Does that make things a little clearer?

*Taking advantage of the power of social media, particularly within a niche industry, does not have to be an all-consuming endeavor, particularly when you use an established third party network to leverage your efforts.   

Here are 5 easy things you can do TODAY, for FREE to get in the social media game:

1.  Join the Surface & Panel Community site. Then look through current members. If there is someone you would easily like to be able to share information with, add that person as a friend.

2.  Once a week participate on the S&P site by posting images, videos, blogs. Start/respond to discussions. Join an emerging group. Compelling information will be sent out through S&P's social networks.

3.  Send relevant industry news to Laura Rowlett. She will turn it into front page news that is sent out through S&P's social networks

4.  Create a free basic listing in the S&P Buyers Guide, which is promoted through many vehicles as a third party resource. Or even better yet, spend a few bucks and create an enhanced listing that links back to your site. Contact Ryan Wagner for more info.

5. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, be sure to "like" Surface & Panel and "follow" SurfacePanelMag. Reciprocity is an underlying element to exponential reach, and it contributes to the kind of consistency that satisfies search engine algorithms.  

*** The images were taken on the same day in late April of this year in Sedona, Arizona during a hiking trip. It was actually snowing(!) on and off, alternately concealing and revealing the stunning landscape.