For all the local business owners out there who think social media is not for you, I am about to prove you wrong with this amazing social media success story. You have no more excuses not to use social media for your businesses!

Ramon De Leon, owner of several Domino’s pizza restaurants in Chicago not only GETS social media marketing, he lives and breathes it! Who do you know that keeps spare batteries in his pockets (at all times) for his cell phone and video camera to be prepared to take videos of any situation?

A couple of weeks, I met Ramon (@DPZRAMON) at a social media summit where he shared how he utilizes Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to increase exposure for his restaurants and THRIVE in this new economy. Let me tell you, he was the hit of the summit! The whole room was fascinated by his energy, passion and commitment to social media and pizza.

Since 2005, social media has been an essential tool for @Ramon_DeLeon’s business. He uses social media to communicate with customers, especially in crisis situations. As one example of what Ramon is doing with social media, watch the below video. He not only personally apologizes through Twitter but he also takes a video of a genuine apology to Amy Korin (@interactiveamy) for being one hour late delivering the wrong pizza and more than makes it up to her later — Ramon provided Domino’s pizza for 350 people at a Social Media Club gathering.

Ramon uses Twitter to listen and monitor what customers are saying – he personally responds to everyone. People tweet to him asking for specials and he either takes the orders through Twitter or directs them with a link to order online.

Ramon also uses Facebook to engage with high school and college/university kids. He gives them outstanding service & pizza, and builds relationships with these kids that will last past their college years, into their place of business once they start their careers.

In addition, Ramon engages his offline customers by having the logos for social media sites on all his traditional advertising materials, such as the flyers that are taped to all Domino’s pizza boxes. Ramon is always continuously learning about the trends and best practices of social media.

So, how is social media marketing impacting Ramon’s business?

- He is standing above competition. With thousands of pizza places in the Chicago area, you can bet that Ramon is the most well known pizza guy in Chicago.
- He is building long-term relationships with his customers.
- And YES, Ramon is increasing his bottom line.

Is Ramon having fun with social media? You bet! Watch this video and see for yourself!

Now, that is the power of social media marketing! Who u gonna call next time you’re in Chicago?

If you have social media success stories like Ramon’s, we would love to hear about them.