How do you use social networking sites to promote a local business?

howtosecret asked:


I am marketing director for a local music instruction business. I would love to harness the power of social networking sites to bring in more customers, but from what I understand, those sites are best used for when you have a business for the online community.

(Of course, I understand the HUGE companies using this form of marketing, and those looking for employment… but what about the small, brick and mortar?)

What do you all think?