Social Media Etiquette Part 3: Three Traits of a Social Media Expert

Everyone claims to be an expert when it comes to social media these days. However, there is more to navigating the social media space than knowledge of a few tools. If you are considering hiring a “social media expert” to help you with your Internet marketing efforts, you will be interested in Chris Nerney’s blog on Webnewser. In it he outlines the five qualities of a good social media manager. I’ve summarized the best three below for quick digestion.

1. Must understand the technology but love people – Face it, the social media world is full of applications, tools and networks with more popping up every day. And while a basic understanding of these tools is necessary, it is important to focus more on the fact that these tools are being used to communicate your brand and company’s message to your customers. Therefore, be sure you hire someone who is outgoing and can communicate effectively. Social media provides them with the platform to do just that.

2. Must possess intellectual and emotional curiosity – Your social media manager needs to know the details of your company, your products and your brand. However, they must also know how to effectively look at things from another person’s perspective – empathy. This will allow them to create better messages in which your customers can relate.

3. Must think strategically (and communicate the strategy) – If you are thinking about outsourcing your social media efforts, you obviously believe in the strategic potential of this move. Therefore, be sure to find someone who shares in your belief and knows how to communicate that strategy to your customers. This person must also be able to measure the results to determine whether your strategy is working.

Internet marketing is the fastest growing segment of the advertising industry and can produce fast results. However, be weary of self-described “gurus.” Be sure to ask for references and examples of successful campaigns they have implemented to ensure you hire someone with the right skill set.

Social Media Etiquette Part 2: Social Media Goes Great with Your Morning Coffee

When I stumbled upon Nathan Hangen’s blog titled “How to Manage Your Social Media Marketing in 10 Minutes Daily,” I had to reread the title a few times. Is it really possible to effectively manage the plethora of social media tools a company may be linked in to in just 10 minutes a day? This means generating unique content, posting on fans walls, putting out customer fires and tweeting the latest industry-related clippings? It’s true! Read below for some of Nathan’s tips to conquering your social media marketing while you take in your morning coffee.

1. Take One Platform Bite at a Time. According to Nathan, all social media sites are not created equal and, thus, you should not try to divide your time among all platforms as such. Nathan suggests for social media beginners to master one platform at a time before moving on to the next one. Remember to keep branding consistent among all platforms. If you are comfortable among the various platforms, Nathan suggests alternating between platforms on a daily basis. Don’t try to cram all of your social media efforts into these 10 minutes.

2. Respond to Your Fans. Nathan says it point blank in his blog. Your customers (fans in the social media world) aren’t listening to you. They’re waiting for you to respond. But rather thinking this is a negative aspect to social media, realize it is an opportunity for you to create an excellent customer relation experience and add to your company’s narrative. According to Nathan, a bulk of your 10 minutes should be spent responding to your fans.

3. Reach Out and Help People. Social media sites are a great way to discover new customers but Nathan warns against blatantly using these tools as such. Instead genuinely seek out those needing help using searches. It could lead to an invitation to join you on Facebook, Twitter or your blog, but don’t make that the goal. According to Nathan, the goal is to get on people’s radar.

To read more on this topic, visit Nathan’s original post at http://fwww.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-manage-your-social-media-marketing-in-10-minutes-daily/.

Big Picture PR Part 2: Become a Community Institution Through Corporate Philanthropy

Text books will tell you Public Relations is the practice of doing good things and getting credit for it. Sure our mothers always told us we shouldn’t be driven by recognition for the good deeds we do, but this is business. The truth is the strategic use of philanthropy can ultimately help a corporation’s bottom line. It is a real opportunity to garner both community attention and support as corporate philanthropy is one area where a company’s interest and those of the public can intersect. By contributing to local charities, sponsoring an area little league team or hosting a fundraiser for the city’s hospital, you are building a reputation as a community institution.

So what’s the first step towards harnessing the power of philanthropy? You should work with your marketing team to establish a contributions program by doing the following:

• Determine objectives.
• Establish measurable results.
• Assure the budget is sufficient to achieve your objectives.

While press releases and media exposure can result in recognition, these results have a short range of impact. However, corporate philanthropy creates a long-lasting, positive relationship with the community and your customers.