One of my favorite LinkedIn groups for industry discussions is FUTURE SOCIAL MEDIA. In a recent conversation, group members offered the social media questions most asked of them.

Can you answer any of these 15 questions?

Are any of these YOUR own questions?

1. Is Social Media a buzz or here to stay?

2. Does marketing through Social Media really work?

3. Is Social Media just for kids or there is a business element?

4. What is the ROI on Social Media activities?

5. How can you track revenue from social media activities?

6. How can I find my target audience(s)?

7. What are the most important metrics I should measure?

8. How has social media affected customer buying decisions?

9. How do I rise above the noise that I see on social media channels?

10. How much time does it take to generate leads via social media platforms?

11. How many likes can you get me?? How many followers can you get me on Twitter by the end of the week?

12. If SM is FREE, why do you charge? That one is like a slap on the face. Lol.

13. With so many self-proclaimed “Social Media Gurus/Ninjas/Experts” what questions are important to ask a company that is trying to sell me Social Media services?

14. Will social media kill email as we know it?

15. Can social media help me do my job better?

One of the main reasons I posted these FAQ’s is because so many business people still “fear” social media — and don’t know how to get past the uncertainty of the revolutionary new world of marketing.

Best practice is to get started, but go slowly and get these questions answered. Plan your strategy and participation . . . and don’t expect immediate results.

BTW, if any readers have written — or have found — articles to answer any of these questions, please list these resources in the comment section below.

Late Postscript: Here is a comment from a typical member of my primary target audience:

“I feel like a lot of businesses, unfortunately, recognized the value of Social Media a little too late, and are trying to get in when the market has been saturated. I have a love/hate relationship with Social Media myself; while I utilize FB and LinkedIn, I’m not on Twitter, or some of the other media sites as of yet. I love the accessibility factor: that those who visit both of my sites can share the articles I’ve written with others around the world instantaneously. I hate the fact that I feel as if my entire life is on public display, and as a very private person, I take issue with ALL of my info being accessible ALL of the time.” —posted 6/16 by Angela Bendon