“For a business getting started with social networks, definitely join the crowd, and find your customers through sharing out content relevant to your brand or company that others will find interesting.”

Lane Sutton may only be 14-years-old, but he works with a wide variety of clients such as an autism/special needs activist, a clothing boutique, lawyers, realtors, landscape architects, a college counselor, restaurants, and more to increase their web presence through social media.. He offers a unique youth perspective on marketing and business. Lane has built his business and personal brand both online and off, not only through the power of social media including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter where he has 4000 followers and growing but also networking and making personal connections worldwide.

Lane created KidCriticUSA.com with reviews on products, restaurants, movies and books that are kid and family friendly. He also hosts a web show interviewing CEOs called The Bottom Line.

MO:
What makes you an expert in social media?

Lane:
I have grown up with social media, I attract a lot of followers who have common interests with me, and I create conversations online through sharing relevant content. I have had a lot of experience with social networks because I joined them not only when legally I was allowed to, but also when they started to get more and more popular.

MO:
People must be surprised when you have such expertise at such a young age. How do you think your age works to your advantage in business?

Lane:
You’re very right! Many are surprised to see the knowledge I have in this arena of tech and social media, but I know the people in the industry. And, I also offer a very unique teen perspective on marketing, social media, business, and technology that not many others can offer. Businesses want to hear that different fresh perspective to tailor their product or service if the teen generation is their market.

MO:
Tell us about starting KidCriticUSA.com, why and how did you start this site?

Lane:
KidCriticUSA.com was an idea that my parents and I had to bring together my interest in journalism, writing, technology, websites, and business. I wanted to give families a source to find a teen perspective on products, tech, books, activities, restaurants, movies, and more written by a kid for kids and families. I designed the website myself and to this date I still run it myself.

MO:
You started your own newspaper on the computer at age 5. Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Lane:
Well, my father is an entrepreneur and has been from the start of his life with being a DJ, and owning an event entertainment and event planning company. I saw that he was doing what he loved, why couldn’t I, even at a young age to get started early? By touring the MetroWest Daily News I saw that the staff writers there were writing about what topics they were interested in, and I did the same. I always had a lot of drive and motivation to get started on my future to get ahead in life, and be successful.

MO:
What do you plan on getting involved in during High school and how will this help your business?

Lane:
In fact, I start high school tomorrow, and I have heard that they have a business/entrepreneurship club where the club members visit the Staples headquarters to see how a big company like them works. I will learn more about that, and think it would be interesting to tour such a big company and see their culture and infrastructure. I also plan to focus on my studies, while still taking a few clients a week at a good pace for me to keep up with all of my extracurricular activities and keep a balance of work and life.

MO:
If you could offer one piece of advice for businesses who are just learning how to utilize social media, what would it be?

Lane:
For a business getting started with social networks, definitely join the crowd, and find your customers through sharing out content relevant to your brand or company that others will find interesting. This creates conversation and gets you a circle of followers that want to hear what you have to say. Also… ENGAGE! Have two way conversations. Use social networks as a way to find new potential customers, and keep your current customers informed with news. Listen first, sell second.