My journey down the social media road began years ago, and many people have praised me for my foresight and brilliance. They are very kind, but the truth is, what really took me down this road was desperation. A few years ago—perhaps you remember—the economy took a heck of a dip. On its way down, it punched me in the gut. All of a sudden, the things I had done well for my entire career, the areas in which I had been a shining executive, no longer applied. Like any professional who had a substantial amount of experience and success under her belt, I began to fight. I did all the things that had always worked in the past— but this time, nothing worked. Prospects were not calling back. No one was returning e-mails. I couldn’t get a deal done to save my life.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube™ have changed the way consumers communicate today and businesses today must be a part of this social phenomenon or risk losing significant marketing opportunities. THE SOCIAL MEDIA BUSINESS EQUATION: USING ONLINE CONNECTIONS TO GROW YOUR BOTTOM LINE clearly demonstrates how you and your organization can use social media to unlock exponential growth and immediate opportunities, no matter what your business size or industry. Author Eve Mayer Orsburn, CEO of one of the largest social media optimization companies in the world, introduces a proven, step-by-step methodology -- The Social Media Equation™ -- in this quick, practical read. Fourteen case studies highlight social media at work in companies large and small, including the Mayo Clinic and General Motors. This book focuses on results-oriented strategies as the author dispels the myths and reveals the true secrets of using social media for amazing business growth.