If you’re like me, you are amazed at how President Obama has used the internet to campaign, rally voters together and raise over $30 million. Our first “internet President” got me thinking about how social media can work to our advantage within our own organizations. But we can’t be effective unless we first understand just what this cyber phenomenon is and how it works. Have you mastered Blogs, podcasts, wikis, social networks, or YouTube? If so, social media can offer a fast and cost effective way to reach new and existing clients, employees, stakeholders, the public, and the media. Don’t get left behind! In order to keep you plugged in, I’ve outlined the five W’s of social media for you here.
WHAT?
Social media is text, video, images, photos, audio and other media generated by and shared with “everyday people” from decentralized sources. Therefore, any website that invites you to interact with the site and with other visitors falls into the definition of social media.
WHO?
Your organization, customers, potential clients, and virtually anyone with internet access can use social media. Social media provides these audiences the ability to tap into one single platform simultaneously. So just who is using social media and how are they leveraging it? See if you recognize anyone on this list…
Politicians
Currently, President Obama has 1,359,387 followers and counting on Twitter . My.BarackObama.com, commonly referred to as MyBO , is the networking site that set our current president apart from other candidates. Supporters created groups, organized events, raised money, and interacted on this outlet specifically designed for Obama supporters. This was a first for politics. By the close of the campaign, over 2 million volunteers had planned near 200,000 offline events and contributed 400,000 blog posts.
Celebrities
Celebrity, Hugh Jackman got fans and Twitter users talking when he made an update that said, “I will donate $100K to one individual’s favorite non-profit organization. Of course, you must convince me why by using 140 characters or less.” Replies came pouring in, and he decided on two charities: charity: water and Operation of Hope . Jackman learned about hundreds of organizations from the response of fellow ‘tweeters,’ and the charities he chose received tons of free exposure from the public. As a result, the organizations noticed a surge in funding and support, due to social media.
Businesses
JetBlue started out as just another discount airliner but it has boomed in the recent years. Aside from new planes and successful advertising, the airline has adopted social media in its marketing mix. Run by two JetBlue employees-Morgan and Gigi, the company’s Twitter account welcomes comments from flyers and gives personal feedback to questions about TSA guidelines, flying tips, and other travel concerns. Cyberspace provides a place for travelers to voice their concerns and gain access to up to the minute information. JetBlue’s use of social media has set the airline apart, unlike some of its more expensive competitors who are not plugged in to their customers.
WHERE?
Social media is internet-based but can also help to facilitate face-to-face meetings and events. For instance, on Twitter , users tend to chat or “tweet” with other people based on their interests and by industry type. Sometimes, these users plan a “tweetup,” where they meet offline to casually talk further. This is a perfect networking opportunity because companies can gain more clients and exposure through these off-line interactions. REMEMBER: Although social media is a successful marketing tool, it does NOT replace in-person communication with clients and other important people who may benefit from your business.
WHY?
It’s affordable, measurable, customizable and easy to use! Most sites, including Facebook and Twitter are free and are simple to set up. Social networking sites allow companies to see who is interested in their online presence, which makes it is easier to reach customers and those who want to find out more about your services. Personalizing sites with your company brand, colors and logo also give viewers the feeling that your organization takes its online presence seriously. Because it is instantaneous, social media welcomes honest dialogue between different parties. Customers can actually chat with the executive of a large business and thus feel a closer connection with a brand. Finally, social media sites are made for everyone, they are designed to be simple and user-friendly.
WHEN?
If you’re considering trying social media within own organization, it’s best to have a plan prior to jumping in. While it’s tempting to join a social networking site just because others are doing the same, make sure that you first understand all of the social networking sites available to you, and then identify the best fit for your organization. TechCrunch has compiled a list of the top 20 social networking sites where you can learn who is using social media and how they are using it.