Social Media Slip Ups

Technology SocialThe first mistake most people make in social media is failing to commit to social media or to a community. People start blogging for about six weeks and then get bored. There should be an understanding that everyone is committed to being part of the online community that is selected.

Another good thing to realize is that we use technology and technology does not use us. One does not have to use Twitter like discussed above and there is no reason to jump in and do everything at once. It is best to start with listening. What are people saying about you? What conversations can you be a part of? What types of proactive reach can you do and what do you need to be reactive to? For you and for your company, be sure to choose how to use the technology.

It is important to remember that social media is not a cure-all remedy. Do not think that just because you start a blog or get on Twitter for customer service that the problems of a company will be fixed like magic. Online conversations reveal a lot about a company’s DNA. In the old days, more social networking was used than any of this technology social media. Now things are digital and searchable and information is much easier to find. A blog will not just fix a company.

If a commitment is made to become part of an online community and conversations, commit to taking the feedback to the company and ask what we can do to change and actually make the company changes. Determine what the customers want and figure out a way to get back to the company mission and values.

Benchmark your social media efforts and see if they are creating any return on investment on organic search engines through relevant content and information. Use a trend graph when trying to benchmark your social media and internet strategy efforts. A trend graph provides information at a glance through graphing out ups, downs, horizontal (stall growths) to provide metrics of valuable information needed in the study being performed. Read the rest of this entry »

Mobile Phones As Social Tools

It’s amazing how much the concept of the mobile phone has changed over the course of just the last few years. While they were used to only serve the purpose of calling another person, they are now used in a variety of different ways. From standalone applications to video conferencing, new mobile phones are all about combining the real life and interactive realms of sociability. In short, they are being used as social tools more and more as time goes on.

There are many ways that mobile phones can be used as social tools. Of course, the actual “phone” function on these devices are perhaps the most obvious way that they can be used socially. On top of this, however, there are a wide variety of applications that can be downloaded and used on smart phones that can help to increase your social life. Applications for such social networks as Facebook and Twitter are widely available, allowing one to keep tabs on their virtual social life at all hours of the day, and from anywhere on earth.

Additionally, the new iPhone 4 has unveiled a technology that allows people to chat over a video screen, which many people expect to change the entire landscape of social media and communication standards. A simple call can easily become a visual experience with the iPhone 4, which for many people is changing the way communication is made. Many people consider this to be one of the most pivotal changes in how technology utilize social technology. Read the rest of this entry »

5 Tips For Noobies That Use Social Media For Business!

Technology SocialLet’s start with not getting all caught up in terminology. Some folks are trying to reterm social media into new or emerging media. What ever way you want to describe or accept it, this technology can be a low-cost investment (of either time or financial resources) to help find prospective folks to buy your good or services, while also being an excellent way to reach out to clients you already have relationships with.

In a recent report from Hubspot, 40% of businesses using this technology (social networking sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and blogs) have generated at least one customer from each of them. What has your other marketing efforts gained you lately?

The thing about new media is that it can be daunting. Like looking at the elephant as a meal, it is a challenge to know where to begin. The thought of creating a marketing campaign around these social networks can be overwhelming. That is if you are a small business. The implications are bigger as the size of your business increases!

A while back, I wrote an article for church marketing that came from the point of “what if I was just starting to market my church? What course of action would I take?”

At the time, I mentioned social networking as a critical component of marketing success. Let’s broaden that out for a moment.

Let’s look at all businesses that are just starting out. You have heard the buzz words or you wouldn’t be here reading. So you understand that you have to get started using these new (in some cases) technologies. But just having a profile on sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook in and of itself is not going to take you to super star status. You are going to have to get into the mix to fully understand them and also to see their potential

But if you are just getting started, let’s review these 5 tips that should make your life a bit easier!

1. Do Your Homework! Coming here is a start. But just like studying for a test, doing the legwork PRIOR to jumping in can get you optimal results. Read the rest of this entry »