Social Media

Here are some notes that a friend of mine, Shante- the Mona Vie Web Czar, recently took at a social media seminar.

Here are a few notes from my most recent social media seminar.

What is Social Media?
• New generation of tools where content is created and driven by a huge number of contributors
• About relationship building
• More back and forth communication, less forced messaging
• Values longer standing relationships
• Hybrid of communications, media relations and community relations
• Also referred to as direct media (person to person)

Tools - most are free...time is not
• Tools are less important than how you use them and the relationships you build
• Online and offline integration is key
• Focus on the basics first!
• Don’t get overwhelmed, focus on what you’re good at
• Earlier you get started, the better as you accumulate contacts and build relationships over time
• It’s about rapid response and sharing of information
• Blog is a conversation
• Website is a monologue
• Each serve a purpose
• Comments are currency
• Start to comment and others will comment back
• Build relationships

Where Americans spend their time: 44% TV; 37% Internet; 15% Newspaper and Radio

Forget surfing, what are the “hubs”
1. Google
2. Facebook
3. YouTube

Interacting on Social Media platforms
• Similar rules of a backyard BBQ
• Authenticity beats polish
• If you can’t say it person to person, don’t post it online
• Stop selling
• Stop spamming (it’s selling)
• Act transparently
• Leave footprint of deleted comments, explain why you are deleting
• Elevate the discussion
• Do not attack
• Present a voice
• Be humanizing
• Do not alienate (it will go viral)

Know your audience – follow these steps to elevate the conversation
1. Pay attention to what they’re saying
2. Comment
3. Compliment
4. Ask questions
Then start with #1 again…


Thanks @monavie