Entrepreneurs have to keep up with the times and learn to adapt in order to succeed. In the past, connections were forged through face-to-face encounters, and advertising was done through the channels of gatekeepers such as newspapers, radio and television. The rise of new media has changed that and entrepreneurs need to take advantage of these tools in order to make their way in today's virtual economy. They are a way to network, advertise, do customer service and keep abreast of the latest news and trends in your field. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are the next step in an evolution that began with email in the workplace years ago, and an entrepreneur must embrace the technology or fall behind, according to social media expert and author of Barack 2.0, David Bullock. Bullock told Business Tennessee he was inspired to focus on social media by Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008. "I really got into social media at that point. I thought 'if Obama is starting a blueprint that could alter communication entirely, I want that blueprint.'" Major companies are already seeing dividends. Dell's outlet store reported $2 million in sales due to Twitter earlier this year.  |