I know today’s short post might come as a surprise to regular readers of this blog, but even though I promote the heck out of social media use for small business, I see a dangerous side as well.

Some small business folks equate busy with business. The problem with social media usage is it can keep you really, really busy, without producing a dime of business.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not a post for all those social media is a load of crap folks, this is a post for all those folks that are hiding behind the monitor tweeting away when they really should be out shaking hands, making sales presentations, and attending networking events.

It’s all too easy to get sucked into building a big blog readership or twitter following and then wonder why your phone isn’t ringing.

Social media for the small business is a catalyst, a tool, a way to create awareness and deeper engagement – it’s not a way to take orders.

At some point you’ve got to take orders. If you can’t convince someone face to face of the value of your proposition, don’t expect to do it in 140 characters or less.

Stop using social media as an excuse to be busy and get out there and sell something.

There, I feel much better now.