I know, not another list of social media/web tools for your business.  Well, sorry, it is another one, but this is "my list". :-)  My simple recipe will make your life easier and your business will thrive on the web.  So here we go:

Yes, you still need a website, but your website needs to be flexible.  It will most likely consist of static content, but it needs to move with you and it needs to work nicely with the next three tools I am going to mention.  So when you select a web provider, make sure they can integrate some social media tools with your branded website, so the conversation online is seamless to the customer.  I think I know of someone who can help with that :-)

You don't have one?  Well get on it!  Blogging doesn't have to be that time consuming.  Pick a medium: video, audio or written and start your own blog.  Figure out what you want to do with your blog and your blog will become your conversation piece online with your customers.  I am going to recommend Posterous as the platform you use.  They make things simple for posting and sharing with other websites.  As a business owner that is what you want.  Note: Depending on your business, number 1 and number 2 can be one.

Yes you need to be on Twitter.  Sign up for a personal account, search for folks you want to communicate with, add your customers and promote your customers on Twitter.  Think of it like you would when going to a cocktail party and meeting new people.  Interact like you would there.  First listen and when asked to speak, talk like you would at the party.  When asked to speak I talk about my family, Evolving Solutions, and The Hockey Zen. 

It's the best way to get people on the web to talk about your business.  It truly is Word of Mouth on steroids.  You add something to your fan page and other people comment on it and that then shows up in their activity which is then seen by their friends.  Pretty powerful stuff.  My most recent post I shared some Facebook tips.  Check it out.  In the meantime here are some folks who are doing a good job at engaging their FB fans- Shaq, NHLDigest and The Feel Good Store.

Give these tools a try to help simplify your web conversations while getting more exposure with half the effort. Reach more clients, free up more time and stay organized. Once you start using these tools, you’ll never know how you got along without them!