Social Media: What, Why and How

So, What is Social Media?

IN Wikipedia speak:

“an umbrella term that defines the various activities that integrate
technology, social interaction and the construction of words, pictures,
videos and audio”.

In layman’s terms:

“Social media is the gazillions of conversations that people are
having online 24/7”.

What does Social Media mean for you?

It can transform you, your business
and it can, and IS, changing the world. It
is a double edged sword and if done right,
you will glow on the winner’s podium
with a great name for your
product/service/companyin the
online space reaping rich inbound
links to your site from a multitude of
powerful and trusted domains.

Done wrong and you could end up a
social pariah in cyberspace with a bad
reputation and a poor record of integrity
attached to your name and company’s
product/service.

Why Should you Care About Social Media?
Here are some staggering facts.

Why Participate in Social Media?

People are engaged in conversations with each other about your company, your brands, your products and your services. They are also reaching out to you with insights, suggestions, stories, and sometimes, important issues and major complaints.

Their conversations are all happening online, right now. Are you listening? Are you responding? Are you engaging?

How to Develop a Social Media Strategy:

In order to navigate the new socially-engaged web, here is the process you need to follow in order to develop a sensible, aligned social media strategy:

Learn the four key stages you need to move through in order to develop an aligned and successful plan.

Learn how to get buy-in within your organization

Learn the importance of effective internal communication as you execute

The role of education in sustaining social media efforts within your organization

Maturing a social media plan: what to plan for and think about in Year Two