Getting Started with Social Media by Dawn Jensen

Editor's Notes

• #4: At its most basic sense, social media is a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. It's a fusion of sociology and technology, transforming monologues (one to many) into dialogues (many to many) and is the democratization of information, transforming people from content readers into publishers. Social media has become extremely popular because it allows people to connect in the online world to form relationships for personal and business.
• #6: Social Media..It’s about starting a conversation - -
• #12: Facebook is certainly one of the most widely recognized names in what is called social networks.Social networks allow people to join, friend members, or invite others to join and then share andexchange information.The tools that run social networks have some tremendous business applications when youunderstand what’s behind them.Networking has always been an important marketing skill and online networking bares somesimilarities with a set of power tools. A lot has been publicized about social networks used byteens and dating services, but it’s the application of the tools that you need to focus on tounderstand the business value of participating in a network like Facebook.
• #13: Your profile is the starting point for Facebook. Think of it as your front door. It’s very importantthat your front door on Facebook be in sync with the front door of your brand. Just because youcan put all kinds of cute things on your Facebook profile, you still must ask yourself what makessense in terms of your business and your business objectives. It’s common sense really, but it’seasy to take your eye off the ball with all the toys and applications available once you learn howto navigate Facebook.Create a profile that helps tell your business story and then enhance it with tools and applicationsthat allow you to branch out and connect with like-minded individuals.
• #19: LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals.
• #21: Through your network you can: Manage the information that’s publicly available about you as professional Find and be introduced to potential clients, service providers, and subject experts who come recommendedCreate and collaborate on projects, gather data, share files and solve problems Be found for business opportunities and find potential partners Gain new insights from discussions with likeminded professionals in private group settings Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals
• #22: Through your network you can: Manage the information that’s publicly available about you as professional Find and be introduced to potential clients, service providers, and subject experts who come recommendedCreate and collaborate on projects, gather data, share files and solve problems Be found for business opportunities and find potential partners Gain new insights from discussions with likeminded professionals in private group settings Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals
• #24: Company NameMake sure the company name listing matches the name you use in your profile. For example if you use LLC or Inc. on your personal profile, your company site must be the same.AdminsLinkedIn wants to know who will administer your company profile. You have two choices: either all employees with a valid email address registered to your domain or designated users only. LogosLogos can be uploaded as a standard logo as well as a square logo that will be used for network updates.Company DescriptionIn the company description section, you have the opportunity to describe who you are and what you do. Think big[ger] picture. You may be a successful soloist now, but if you’re planning on growing your business or going after big companies, present your company as an entity.SpecialtiesInclude keywords that describe what you do in this section. You have 256 total characters to describe specialties. Two or three word descriptions are okay.Twitter and Company Blog RSS FeedBringing in your twitter updates and blog feed keeps your company page active, relevant and current. News ModuleAdding in the news module displays search results that share news about your company. But, be prepared to see stories that don’t relate to your company, except in search terms. If your company is not making news, it’s best to select “don’t show news about my company.”Company Type, Size, URLUnder company type and company size, you’ll select from the options that describe your status. Your company website URL link can go to your home page or to a services or gallery page.Industry, Operating Status, Year FoundedMain company industry allows you to choose from any within the LinkedIn categories.  Then, you will select company operating status and the year founded, which is an optional entry. LocationsThe last step is locations. You can add up to five different location addresses, then click publish and your LinkedIn company profile is active.CareersIf you ever want to add employees, you can post a job on your company’s careers page.
• #25: For the business professional, there are some pretty good reasons to make LinkedIn a part of youroverall social media outreach:1) Find clients, help, and deals. For some industries, LinkedIn is a great place to locateprospects and network partners. Many individuals openly promote relationships and dealsthat they are in the market for.2) Build up buzz. Once you’ve established a following within LinkedIn you can begin topromote specific happenings around your organization.3) Hire professionals. Often people think of social networks only in terms of makingmarketing connections. LinkedIn has become a great place to network and find greatassociates, partners, and vendors.4) Get feedback and research. One of the most effective ways to tap your newly built socialnetworks is to use them as a resource for research and feedback. Simply putting questionsout to your group is a great way to get a feel for areas where you want input.