In recent months, I have traveled to various stone and tile exhibitions around the world -- reporting back on all the new tantalizing products that have been introduced as well as the advances in manufacturing technology. Now that I have been back in the office for a while, I have had time to reflect on some other observations I made while on the road, and I feel they are also worth sharing.

The use of social media by industry members for business purposes is definitely on a significant incline. Many of the Web sites from industry companies, associations and trade shows -- as well as brochures and press releases -- are promoting Facebook pages or asking readers to follow them on Twitter. Seminars explaining how social media can benefit a business are now also part of the lineup of the educational programs that are held in conjunction with trade exhibitions.

I have to admit that I had been lagging behind a bit when it comes to our magazine's Facebook page and Twitter account. But after returning from Coverings a few months ago, I started thinking of the ways that Facebook and Twitter could benefit the Contemporary Stone & Tile Design brand -- and there are definitely a few. Social media provides another platform to get the word out about whatever might be of importance at the time. As a magazine, it allows me to let our readers know about upcoming industry events or to share up-to-the-minute happenings at these events. They also are another way to share industry news and new product launches.

Social media seems to be here to stay, and no matter what your business, it might be worth checking out ways that it can benefit your operation and help communicate your message and mission. I want to let our readers know that I am diligently posting the latest news and other topics, images and videos pertaining to the stone and tile industry on Contemporary Stone & Tile Design's Facebook page, which we share with our sister publication -- Stone World -- at: www.facebook.com/stonetilepage, and you can also follow us on Twitter (@cstdmag). Additionally, you can see a unique collection of
stone industry videos on YouTube by visiting www.youtube.com/stoneworldmagazine

Feel free to visit our social media pages, and don't hesitate to share your comments, feedback and ideas with us.