Despite 80% of business leaders thinking it important to make the most of social media, 70% admitted that their efforts are currently ineffective - CMI SURVEY. This business book is great for leaders, middle managers and entrepreneurs interested in the following categories: • SOCIAL MEDIA • MARKETING • LEADERSHIP • BRANDING • NETWORKING The FT Guide to Social Media Strategy will help you understand how social media works, how to use it to build your networks and deliver business growth. 'Whether in today's corporate world, in the public sector or in civil society, leaders must fully appreciate both the strategic impact and risk social media can mean for them. This book needs to be on top of their reading list!' Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Senior Director Campaigns and Communications, Amnesty International 'A wealth of practical advice to navigate the complexities of social media and minimise the risks.' Guy Lawrence, CEO, Mast-Jaegermeister UK 'Martin Thomas grasps the social media nettle and details the steps for leaders to master it for personal and business results. Read - and implement - this book by a respected master marketer.' Tom Trainor, Chief Executive, Marketing Institute of Ireland 'A practical how to guide for today's board director, that should help them overcome their fears and mistrust and begin to do it with confidence and do it their way.' Jonathan Turner, Chairman, Oxford Strategic Marketing. Social media is transforming customer service, market research, recruitment, campaigning and internal communications and encouraging the development of alternative business models and new corporate structures. There has never been a more important time for every business professional to understand its power, potential and pitfalls, but although you might recognise its growing importance, few business people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the most of the opportunity. Without a clear understanding of social media and a strategy for you and your business, you risk being exposed and ill-prepared. The FT Guide to Social Media Strategy provides a clear roadmap with practical guidance, inspirational case studies and proven methodologies. You'll understand how to use social media and gain competitive advantage by generating better results, making more sales, building stronger and more valuable networks and enhancing the potency of their personal digital brand. You'll also discover plans and processes to manager and mitigate against the risks of social media. This book is broken down into three core sections, focusing initially on the core social media knowledge that every business professional needs, before moving on to the use of social media to develop a personal digital brand and finally an explanation of how to harness the power of social media to boost business performance. Presented in a user-friendly language, with clear guidelines, informative case studies and practical advice, each chapter features a mix of case studies, practical advice, the latest research and intelligence from leading social media specialists and the outcome of interviews with business leaders, marketing and social media experts and industry commentators. Happy Reading! Please do share your thoughts with us.