chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

youtube downloader — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:59:01 -0000

thanks for linking Mitch Joel's article on the top 7 blogs. He is right, this thing is a rabbit hole. I started exploring this space because I am working with a group of artists on creating and conveying a unique story through a site we are developing.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Dave Byrne — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:48:08 -0000

This is a great site with lots of interesting information.I'm doing an MBA and thst why I'm studying Social Media. I want to understand how Social Media impacts business.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Edgar Aguirre — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:30:48 -0000

Chris - thanks for linking Mitch Joel's article on the top 7 blogs. He is right, this thing is a rabbit hole. I started exploring this space because I am working with a group of artists on creating and conveying a unique story through a site we are developing. I found Mitch through mention of Daniel Pink's book "A Whole New Mind", and subscribed to his podcast, and registered on Google Reader (I had no idea what RSS feeds were a couple of days ago). I just wanted to get ideas on how to make a site relevant, attractive, and able to generate traction. I am getting to discover some of that, but I am also being exposed to glimpses of how our species will communicate and continue to share knowledge in the 21st century, and it takes my breath away.

I am just blown away by the sheer velocity and enornomity of the marketplace of ideas being developed, workshopped, shared, and improved. It gives me tremendous hope for not only the survial, but the thriving of exquisite, sought-after, and meaningful ideas that speak to the human heart and mind. It is making me smile as I type this. Keep up the excellent work. You and folks like Mitch inspire beyond description.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

NadiaK — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:48 -0000

I recently graduated with a degree in Public Relations and during my final year, we were finally introduced the topic of Social Media.

I have always been a member of social networking sites and the transition into becoming a particpant of social media has been natural for me. I realised that upon signing onto Facebook that this was just another form of Friendster or MySpace and I had the "why not" approach.

Now, in between finding jobs, I realise that social media can be used in personal and in business life to communicate WITH people more effectively. There is an entire world audience that is being ignored (if we do not consider social media) and I think Social Media is definitely a future trend of PR. Right now it isn't replacing traditional PR Tactics but its important to be aware of the ever increasing range of Social Media tools.

So I personally enjoy researching social media for personal and professional use and I can't wait till I can put my ideas into effect.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

marifromky — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:19:09 -0000

Hhmm. I think I just mentioned similar in an email I sent you a bit ago. ;)

I'm a writer. I think social media and writing go hand in hand. I also think social media is under-used in the writing / publishing markets. I want to find ways to change that.

I've set myself up as the social media person for Apex Publications, but pretty much learning as I go along. It's been an interesting trip, and I can't wait to learn more.

And I agree with Manuscrypts about the conversations! I've learned just as much from reading the comments as I have the initial posts. I like that Chris can post a brief teaser, tell everyone to discuss - and we do. :) That doesn't happen elsewhere as much as it should.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Andrew Lightheart — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:41:20 -0000

Three months ago I was brand new to all brands of social media, apart from dabbling in Facebook and having a LinkedIn profile.

I contacted my clients/friends through regular email articles.

Then I realised that I had several ideas a day on topics connected to my business, and was scared of spamming.

So... I researched blogging, asked some advice, and set up my blog.

I can then write to my heart's content (on my topic).

Finding other people's blogs has been a total eye-opener too. So much interesting targeted writing - I'm in the first flush of subscribing.

So... I'm using social media (most recently added Twitter and Plurk) to reach people who are interested in what I have to say, and, obviously, to find people who are the right client group.

Having always hated 'selling' to people (ie getting people to do things that, if they were in their right minds, they wouldn't necessarily do, or at a higher price than they would otherwise pay), I'm loving the way social media is allowing me to claim my niche, quietly and without fanfare.

If people want to tune in, they can. If they don't, they don't have to.

In this way, all the concerns of interruption media are gone.

Plus I've made contact with some awesome people. The way that geography makes such little difference (apart from timezones, and even then...) is awesome.

Just finding how to swim in this new sea, after paddling for a while.

Oh, and having a life outside too...

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Justin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:14:46 -0000

I am involved in Social Media because I am a consultant...of what you ask, exactly this Social Media. Koinonia Solutions, the consulting firm I work for, helps businesses and organizations get actively involved in Social Media. We help people set up, use, and utilize Social Media. We believe that Social Media is a great tool and a new medium of which to reach out to people in a more personal way. There is much to it then my simple words, if you have any questions feel free to email me justin@thelacproject.com or you can visit our site http://koinoniasolutions.com

and thats why Me/my company or into Social Media

Justin
- Check Us Out ...
http://koinoniasolutions.com

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

David Murray — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:28:30 -0000

@Chris Penn

Nice answer :)

I jumped into Social Media as I felt it was important for the technology company I worked for, to know what was happening out there. The first word that came up was Podcasting - the rest ..will it keeps going.

Now looking at a solo project I see Social Media as a perfect and affordable medium to get things started, set the ground work and build the foundation of what will hopefully be successful non profit.

I like that a blog can now be your website, voice, brand, online indentity, company, etc. and it doesn't cost you anything!

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Fernando Pizarro — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:50:35 -0000

Great question, Chris. I'm new to your blog, but I've already gained some powerful insights. I'm a newspaper editor, so for me, social media and online communities have become as important as the more traditional communities -- neighborhoods, civic organizations, government -- for gathering and disseminating the information that our users want.
Journalists now have an incredibly direct and varied tools -- Twitter, Facebook, MySpace -- for finding stories that people are talking about. But these same social media outlets also provide new ways to share these stories with users all over the world. It's opened up a completely new way to reach and connect with people who want and appreciate what we do.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Sean — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:17:42 -0000

This article and these comments have been great. I am trying to get my company into the social media world. We just started a blog and now I am discussing getting into facebook, twitter and all the other sites. I have a meeting in a couple weeks with some of the big wigs any suggestions on sites to use (Facebook, Twitter, Hi5, etc...) or any tips on what to discuss would be great and very much appreciated. Great article Chris!

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Gliding through Motherhood — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:08:39 -0000

I don't think the idea for my business would have come to me if I hadn't already been a part of the blogging community, so it only made sense for us to try to stay a part of it. That, and it's a great way to keep top of mind - I don't want people to forget we're out there, and to keep a "real" face to our company.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

maddiegrant — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:09:26 -0000

I started blogging about association industry issues, and quickly realized that everything comes back to social media. Particularly for associations and non-profits, eternally a few years behind the corporate world, it's crucial for them to find ways to enter the social space in order to survive and better yet, to really thrive. Personally, I am also finding a niche for myself within this area and discovering that a personal interest in something can result in huge professional development - awesome.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Frank Gorton — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:11:10 -0000

Chris love the question, and it really made me think about what are the real reasons. I think for me I have both a business and a personal reason for why I am Investigating social media.

From a personal point of view, I am doing it to re-connect with old friends, and stay connected with new friends. I think a lot of time is spend on career and family these days and the social media channels allow me to stay connect with friends, in a convenient off hours way. I was able to finally connect with an old roommate from high school that I was unable to find for years through the use of a Ning site based on the school we attended. It had been 15 years, and the internet allowed me to finally re-connect.

In addition to the personal reasons, I am also vested in this from a business point of view as well. I am an owner of an online dating community that has just launched. I see the understanding of all things social media related as crucial to everything that I am trying to do. I am most interested in looking to see the mix between both online social media tools, and how they also help people connect in the offline world. In addition I have been involved with the internet since it inception, and have a thirst to know as much as I can about how to reach people, and create a compeling user experience in everything that I do.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

brendan mcnulty — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:53:12 -0000

social media is another channel to communicate to people with. it is not something as scaleable as direct response as search or banners, but it is great for the "softer" side of things like changing perceptions and branding.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

David Niemczyk — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:21:18 -0000

I think this is one of the most exciting times in human history: If you have a great idea, you can find people to help you develop it, shoot it down or turn it into something completely different almost as soon as you think it... and you can do it from anywhere in the world!

When I first heard about Twitter and read it's tagline "What are you doing?", I thought the social media elite who were obsessing over it had finally slipped over the edge into total self-obsession and were possibly even promoting celebrity worship: "Leo just made a cup of coffee!" There is some of that, to be sure, but the community is transforming it into something better. Not "What are you doing?" but "What are you thinking?" and then creating a conversation around those thoughts.

There are still a lot of problems to overcome, but today I am optimistic. Talk to me tomorrow and I might only see the negative stuff and what doesn't work, instead of what does and what *can*, if we use these tools creatively.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Christopher Penn, Financial Ai — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:32:15 -0000

I use it to sell student loans.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

vikas sapra — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:37:21 -0000

One of the many important reasons for a business to invest resources in social media is the ability to ‘listen in’ on the market. Listening in and then engaging with your customer has the potential to establish brand loyalty, promote word-of-mouth marketing, and access real-time market research.

By tracking conversations - via services such as Google Alerts and Summize - companies can immediately and directly address customer feedback. First, this illustrates to the customer that you are not merely a profit-driven automaton (even if you are). Since engaging in an honest dialog with customers is still rare, it also establishes brand loyalty (or at least respect). Furthermore, it provides an exceptional story, which your customers are likely to repeat.

At the risk of sounding trite, we can readily see successful examples on Twitter. JetBlue provides followers with useful tips like Tech Travel Trip Tuesday (#TTTT). Useful content also engages the JB community to submit tips, creating a continuous feedback loop. JB recognizes its followers and rewards them with promotions outside their traditional channels. None of these interactions would have been possible with a static website.

Another benefit of ‘listening in’ is that you can attract ‘potential’ customers. Judging by @crowdSPRING posts, the company tracks phrases like ‘logo design’ and recommends its service to people on twitter. Some may say this practice is invasive, but the evidence indicates that users appreciate the suggestion. In fact, many end up using the service.

Other reasons (not twitter-specific) why businesses should invest in social media campaigns – to network with clients, suppliers, and industry leaders, to tap the knowledge of the community they’ve created, to brand themselves as they want to regardless of the industry they’re in. And lastly, more transparency = more trust!

DISCLAIMER: The above is only true if you are producing quality products/ideas that actually add value for the consumer.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Carlos Araya — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:12:51 -0000

I work in the educational field and now see a golden opportunity to incorporate social media and web 2.0 technologies into the educational landscape.

Instructors are becoming more and more tech savy and, as the older professors retire, we see more and more technology adoption. Students are also taking more and more social media tools for granted and it is up to us as trainers and educators to help those who are not as familiar with the technologies to provide the kind of environments that will facilitate learning

It is also a good chance to get to know some awesome people who do wonderful things

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Lori Siegel (siegelo) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:10:28 -0000

I initially started getting involved with social media out of curiosity…in part because I have a 17 yo kid and wanted to see what MySpace was all about. PS – she’s no longer into MySpace – it’s FB for her. Recently called me a twitidiot!

Professionally, a few of the folks I work with (@seerysm) rapidly embraced social media and I followed along mostly to learn. Eventually I became a participant and some what of a defacto champion of social media with my clients. Since my clients are primarily hospitals, we’re exposing them to some of the new social media tools to source and recruit; using social media for competitive intelligence gathering, online reputation management, communicating and connecting via recruiters blogs.

What social media has provided me with is the ability to learn from many different points of view. I have decided to be part of the new solutions rather than become an ‘experienced’ dinosaur that is perceived of not being with it.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Shannon Ehlers — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:04:24 -0000

Hi Chris,

I like using the tools to find out what others are thinking, and as a means to align myself with like-minded folks. A good example of someone I met simply by hanging out on your blog is Becky McCray of smallbizsurvival.com. I really appreciate the excellent opportunity you present for people to meet like this.

I think of today's social media tools as the blooming flower on the stem of RSS and the natural, evolutionary replacement for email. It has been a long time coming, but we are now picking the flower. I think this was a popular meme in the industry a few years back - "RSS replaces email".

Certainly the marketers will be able to use these tools, but also mom and pop, maybe even sister and brother will also use the same tools, but to different ends. Not unlike the starting phases of radio transmitting, where shortwave broadcasting was popular with all sorts of amateurs and the professionals eventually moved in and set up shop. Despite the presence of professional broadcasters seeking profit, the amateurs (HAM radio ops) still thrive.

Like email marketing and radio advertising, social media marketing is finding a useful place and moving toward the top of its trajectory. This is the time when it serves the most people, while being a disservice to the least number of people.

Sooner or later (hopefully later, since "we" theoretically control this medium via community sharing) the "abuseful" phase will start and the downward trajectory will begin as this eventually becomes a pain in the rear for the members of the communities being marketed to.

Then the next wave will start and we will talk about the new email, the new social media, the new radio broadcasters, whatever they may be.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Steve Nimmons — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:04:14 -0000

From a corporate point of view I would say the key drivers (at present are)

1. Fear of being left behind
2. A wish to improve communications (especially globally)
3. A wish to drive efficiency and innovation through collaboration
4. Improving Knowledge Management, and finding a way to keep pace with velocity of Web2.

Tonnes of others, but those are top 4 for now...

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Lee Kent — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:43:11 -0000

I am a Retail Industry 'Insider' and my industry is facing some great challenges. CIOs have been asked to reduce their enormous Maint spend in order to invest in emerging technologies that will enhance the customer experience. Not only have CIOs been the guys that simply kept the lights on, their staffs have also been emersed in legacy technology and ill equipped for what's to come. Bottom line, Retailers need conversation before the sales cycle, relationship from trusted sources, and information in order to build confidence and meet the challenge. They also just canceled 1 of the top 2 retail technology shows because vendors could not justify the cost. Not the need. So voila! social media and social networking. i am trying to create an offering here and learning from all of you!

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Aaron Heinrich — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:57:24 -0000

Our service is a sort of niche, B2B application of social media, so it seems natural for us to explore those services and methods also as our main method of marketing. Personally I've been somewhat resistant to many applications of social media since the noise-to-signal ratio is often so discouraging. However, I'm also not particularly drawn to marketing as a discipline, so the idea of substituting traditional methods with making substantive contributions to a conversation, using social media to establish our company as an active member of our corner of the creative and intellectual community--that is very appealing. We're just starting to develop this approach, and I'm interested to see what we find out about how our methods will have to differ from those that might be employed by a company offering a more general service application.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

Alex Savic — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:41:24 -0000

At Alensa we use social media tools to build our community of users as well as to stay connected to our users and support them on as many platforms as we can manage.

Re: Why Are You Investigating Social Media

chrisbrogan — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:41:13 -0000

@ED - stay tuned and I'll give a courtesy flush. : )