Get in Social Media Shape
Social Media is like exercise. Virtually everyone knows it’s a good thing, but many never start and some aren’t sure what’s right for them – or go about it the entirely wrong way.
Recently, I read an article in Federal Computer Week about the government’s slow acceptance to Social Media.
Well, maybe the first step is admitting you need to get in shape…or at least get in to the current decade.
OK, so like an exercise program, please consult someone who knows what they’re doing FIRST.
My Social Media Personal Trainers are folks who routinely cover and follow social media and networking trends: JD Lasica, Rohit Bhargava, and Pete Cashmore. Their blogs provide an insight to the popularity and proper use of Twitter, personal and corporate blogs, video sharing sites, and how best to attract and retain an interactive audience.
As a relative novice, here’s what I’ve learned so far about successful social media techniques:
1. Social Media isn’t about you. Share what you have with others; provide something to the group. Advice, experience, stories (even if they are not yours, you can pass along items of interest).
2. Keep It Simple (Stupid). The common theme appears again! Where ever your experience, knowledge, or access lies – stick to those topics. Hoping from topic to topic make you a “Tom of all trades, master of none” (not someone worthy of keeping tabs on). When I want nutrition or exercise advice, I’ll read John Berardi or Mark Sisson, while JD Lasica pops on my screen for social media and Web 2.0 knowledge. I don’t know if JD can help anyone avoid rotator cuff injuries.
This has a bit more weight when utilizing business-based or corporate-sponsored social media.
3. Don’t Stop. Constant activity and updates help to create interest and enlarge your “web presence”. What’s a “web presence”? If someone ever “Googles” you, a strong “web presence” leads to a greater possibility you will appear on those search engines.
4. Make it Interactive. Sharing works both ways; ask questions, solicit responses and comments, use polls. “Interactivity” means the end user also participates (hence the term “social” media). Sharing those comments allows you/your blog to - if visitors feel it’s worthy – become a conduit for opinions and ideas.
As for the federal government? Maybe a tip from Rohit Bhargava’s blog will help; begin a social media GOA workout program. It’s a bit better than “sweatin’ to the oldies”.
