Amanda Coleman, Greater Manchester Police
Always ensure that you know what you want to achieve from your use of social media and don't be afraid to push the boundaries and take a few risks. Social media should be part of your communication and engagement strategies and needs to be integrated.
Allie Johns, Allie Johns Marketing Communications
I'd encourage business owners to explore and embrace social media opportunities, not least because they can offer a cost-effective and tangible way to create and develop a deeper level of brand engagement. It's no longer enough for your communications to simply 'push and tell.' You have to be prepared to 'listen and converse' to connect with your customers, irrespective of your size and sector.
Steve Downes, Juice Digital
Social media is levelling the marketing playing field. Now the biggest spender doesn't win every time, but the most innovative.
Louis Rix, Netcars.com
The key lessons I would give to businesses are as follows: To stand out from the crowd you have to be unique and constantly evolve in the online world and understand the importance of embracing social media to help build your business.