Archive for category social media
Getting your feet we with Social Media
Posted by Joie Tamkin in social media on February 9th, 2010
By now we are all familiar with the top social media sites; Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We see each other tweets and notice that CEO’s like Mike Peter of Campus Advantage tweeted about the National Apartment Association conference 5 times in less than an hour on January 12.
You’ve heard it before, these sites can be powerful resources, help gain exposure and increase your online presence. For some, tweeting and other social media platforms come easy, but for most of us, we learn and explore before hitting the tweet this button.
There are no written rules on how to play the social media field, here are some simple ways to unleash the power of social media and design your own plan for success.
1. Share interesting content
Effective social media practices involve engaging your audience, which means figuring out what they want to know and what purpose you want to serve with your posts. Content can come in many forms, including articles, blog posts, video clips, quick tips, statistics, photos, news, industry resources, special offers and so much more.
2. Share information from other sources
Share what you find interesting and you will see your network grow with those that share the same interests. Share content from other websites, blogs, magazines, news outlets and other social media users. Remember, it’s about engaging your target audience. When you develop a reputation for providing interesting, useful content, even when it’s content from an outside source, you still benefit greatly.
3. Provide links
One of your goals should be to increase traffic back to your Web site or blog. You can do this by sharing compelling headlines alongside a link to further information on your site. You don’t need to include links with every post, but do distribute them often. Ever wonder how people get those tiny links? There are several link shortening service such as http://bit.ly, which shrinks long links.
4. Engage often
Commit to engaging as much as possible throughout the day, if that sounds like too much, try engaging at least once a day. Share a post first thing in the morning, then check in between meetings and at various intervals to respond to your audience, share new content and get engaged. Remember that your goal is to be a resource.
resource.
Social Media Tips to Live By
Posted by Joie Tamkin in social media on December 29th, 2009
The way you play the social media field has a huge impact on you and your brand. Here are few tips I find useful, they actually apply to everyday life as well. Send me your tips. Enjoy!
1. Give More than You Receive- If you want positive attention, like most of us do, in the on-line world, than you have to be willing to give it first. I can hear my dad saying it now “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” he’s usually right and that is a great rule to live by. Respect is earned on-line not a right.
2. Treat others as you would want to be treated- Sounds easy right? Yet somehow there are those few who thinks its okay to post a nasty facebook status about a co-worker, friend, family member, even a client. Come on now! You catch more bees with honey… I hate bees and certainly don’t want to catch any, but it’s still a cliche to live by.
3. Contribute!- Just showing up to the office doesn’t get you anywhere, and neither does signing up for Twitter and ignoring all your DM’s or tweets of fellow twits. Sorry couldn’t resist that one. Don’t be shy, join the conversation and have fun with it! Please don’t just promote your brand, I may stop following you. Before you ever submit anything to a social media site, ask yourself “Does this article really add value to the community?” If not, reconsider submitting it.
5. Cheating is Wrong- Be faithful to yourself and don’t cheat or take short cuts. Focus on building a successful social media presence as you would a friendship with a networking group. Sure, you might be able to get thousands of followers and fans by cheating, but eventually, you will lose credibility.
6. Build Quality Relationships- People are more willing to help those who they really know. By building quality relationships with other users, you’ll always have someone in your corner to back you up. Remember, relationships require the participation of both parties, always be a willing partner your social media relationship.
The Magical World of Networking
Posted by admin in social media on October 21st, 2009
I’ve been working my magic in public relations for several years now. I don’t put much faith in magic, especially when it comes to my career and my agency’s reputation. I do, however, believe in the power of networking. Once you feel comfortable networking, you gain a profound advantage in business and that is when the magic happens.
Networking is a huge part of any communications based career, from advertising to marketing to public relations. Even with social media, networking is a crucial skill to possess. You may already think you are the master at networking; you never miss a grand opening, you have over 1,000 Facebook friends and three times as many Twitter followers, and you were recently asked to speak at the black tie children’s shelter benefit. Bravo!
Even if you are the creme de la creme… and trust me, I meet a lot of you, there are still a few key points to keep in mind when you network. Whether you are attending an event, or joining an on-line conversation (social media) or having a one on one encounter, these tips should help you be a bit more aware and prepared.
1. Always think about your intention when you enter into any networking situation. Ask yourself if your intention is genuine and if it will shine a positive light on yourself, and your company. Are you there for new contacts? Sponsorships? Resources? Friends?
2. Knowing your intention leads to the next tip, which is to remember that networking is a two-way street! Be genuine about your intentions and think about how you can help others. How you can add value to others. Don’t be afraid to offer up a resource or contact that might help them.
3. Go early and stay late. This is a tough one with our busy schedules and loved ones, but often some of the best connections come from the quieter moments of the events with less chaos. I am usually one of the first to arrive at events.
4. Always be present and engaged. Look people in the eye when you meet them, stay present throughout the entire conversation. Stop checking your cell phone for e-mails or texts. I see a lot of people doing this during luncheons or awkward moments of silence. I used to do it myself, now I breathe through the uncomfortable silences. Our cell phones have become this security blanket people use when they are at a loss for words or have just entered an uncomfortable situation. If you stay present and remember your intentions, those few moments of discomfort will be worth all your new connections.
Contributed by Joie Tamkin, Associate Director of Public Relations, c.a.k +associates