Right now, there are people talking about your organization.

These people are saying they love your new product line.  They’re discussing the classes they took last semester and who the best professors are.  They’re giving their friends your phone number and your website so they can check up on you.

This stuff isn’t happening here.  These conversations aren’t the kind you have on the phone or over dinner.  These conversations are taking place online.

For those out of the loop, social media networks are websites that bring people together.  Anyone can log in, create a profile and start chatting with their friends and acquaintences.  The most popular social media sites on the Internet are:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Digg
• StumbleUpon

These websites server millions of page views a day.  Their members spend hours on them, talking about anything and everything imaginable.

Do you have a voice in these conversations?  Do you have a person designated as a brand champion encouraging social media members to try your product or sign up for your service?

If not, you need to get involved.  Now.