There is a lot of hype around using social media channels for marketing and obviously there are times you could/should/shouldn't use it - but how many of you marketing professionals ARE using it for your clients/business and how well is it working for you?
More specifically, is it giving you results that justify the effort that's being put in to it?
I've found blogging and use of Twitter in particular invaluable in improving my business as a consultant, and know many other micro and sole traders who've made initial contacts through social media, easily justifying the effort, but social media is all about time rather than budget spend - which can benefit brand owners. My presentation on social networking tips for freelancers may be useful.
Social media marketing comes into its own for my clients when their customers already gather themselves together online. The challenge I sometimes face is convincing said clients that this actually happens, especially when their own judgements about social media are made purely on the basis of what their children get up to online.
And then, of course, there is, as Susi says, the time issue. If I can persuade them that 'little and often' is do-able then they start to see social media as a useful strong to their bow.