The time of New Year’s and its inevitable resolutions is nearing.  Have you given any thought to what you’re going to do?  I usually have a couple, that way I if I break one I have another to fall back on!  I think this year I’ll separate them into themes too; I’ll make a personal resolution and a professional resolution.

What are they you ask?  Well, the personal one I’m still working on.  There are the classics – eat healthier, lose weight, save more money, etc.  They’re all important, but they feel so mundane and I can almost guarantee you by Easter I will have quit. I just love those Sweet Tart chicks and ducks!  However, the professional one I’ve chosen.  I am going to be more social!  Not social as in I don’t like to talk with my colleagues, but social as in social marketing!

My resolution may not come as a surprise to many.  I mean it’s something I’ve already been thinking about and working on in some respect.  Take this blog for example.  But the goal is to step it up several notches.  I know I’m not the only one; although I may be the first to officially classify my commitment as a 2011 resolution.  According to IDC, an IT Research firm, small and medium-sized businesses will use social networking to “establish a free online presence that improves their ability to acquire, engage, and retain customers.”

I’m clearly a part of one of those businesses IDC is referring to.  And to tell the truth, I’m excited about what being social means.  It is a great way for us to engage in conversations with our customers; whether they are past, present, or future.  Being the numbers nerd I am I’m intrigued to see what kind of reputation (and ROI) my new social presence will bring me; but even though they say it’s difficult to measure, it’s a challenge I am ready to take on.  Plus, now that I’ve told all of you about it I have to follow through right?!

What about you?  What resolutions are you planning for 2011?  Are any of you working on a social media strategy?