3 Tips for Social Media Word of Mouth

Article from Andy's Answers: How word of mouth will save your brand

What to remember:

• This is not about social media. There are five fundamental steps to every word of mouth campaign, and the tools to help people talk are just one component. Earning love is much bigger than this.

• You can create love and passion for everyday products. Not everybody gets to be an iPhone, but you still have great products that help people solve real problems — it’s about turning those happy customers into regular talkers.

• Ask: Would anyone tell a friend about this? This is a question that changes companies. Stick this question on a sticky note on your monitor, put it on a sign in your conference room, and find ways to build this question into everything you do.

Thankful for "Chicken"

This story is especially humorous to me because as a child my mom fixed chicken every way imaginable. I swore, I would never eat chicken once I left home.. LOL … Of course, while I was a big talker, today, it is one of my favorites! As moms we all have the immeasurable experiences of witnessing how our children interpret and think of things. This week, my 5 year old son brought home a project. They are asked to think of one thing they are thankful for and decorate a feather for a large turkey to be posted in the school hallway. As Hilton and I sat down to discuss what we are “thankful” for, I explained how mommy is thankful for both of my kids, my family and my friends. He asked, “what else are you thankful for?” I told him that I feel thankful and blessed to have good health that our family has a roof over our heads, food on our table and the freedom to make choices in life. He asked me if daddy is thankful for the same and I replied, “why sure he is.” Then he asked what about Haley? (his sister) I went on to say that while I cannot speak for her, I am sure that she too, is thankful for her family, friends and life. “So buddy”, I said, “what are you thankful for”? He said, “that’s easy momma… I am thankful for chicken. I love chicken”.

5 Qualities of a Good Social Media Manager

By Chris Nerney

1. You understand technology, but you love people. Social media technology is a means to an end, that end generally being to communicate effectively, build trust and foster community. The quiet geek in the corner who wears a reddit t-shirt, knows how to use any Twitter application ever invented, but never interacts with co-workers, probably isn't the right person for the job.

Better would be the outgoing person who gets what social media can do and wants to use it to reach out to people -- friends, customers, clients, people with similar interests, etc. If that's you, don't worry about whether you have sufficient "passion" for a social media manager's job. You do.

2. You possess intellectual and emotional curiousity. Sure, you're supposed to know stuff -- your company's business, details about products and services, problem resolution procedures, etc. -- but your real strength is the desire and ability to look at things from another person's perspective. Empathy. The best customer reps have it; for a social media manager, it's imperative.

3. You're thoughtful, not impulsive or reactive. Being a social media manager is about more than tweeting positive thoughts and virtual brand-building. There's a lot of pressure. Many organizations aren't totally sold on social media, measuring its impact (especially short-term) can be difficult, not all your co-workers may be "getting it," and dealing with crises (or even just haters) can test your patience. If you can handle these types of things, you may be able to handle the stress that comes with being a social media manager.

4. You think strategically (and communicate the strategy). An effective social media manager understands an organization's social media goals and attempts to measure results against them. Equally important, they know how to convey strategic goals to colleagues.

5. You are an ensemble player, not a diva. There are some giant egos in the social media business, a lot of self-proclaimed "gurus" who amass a lot of Twitter followers and land numerous speaking engagements. Many would make lousy social media managers because they see themselves as superstars or saviors. A good social media manager freely gives out credit for successes to teammates and accepts blame for failures.

Those are the qualities I'd consider to be most valuable in a social media manager. Let me know if there are any you think should be on the list.

Simple Tips to Avoid Colds and Flu

Avoiding colds and flu this season is at the top of everyone's list. Here are 14 tips to help you keep healthy and happy as compiled by medical experts who want to keep you out of their offices and safe at home and work.
1. Wash your hands often, including every time you shake someone's hand.
2. Do not touch your nose and eyes.
3. Feeling bad? Go to bed and get some sleep.
4. Get a flu shot (you may need two this year with H1N1 widespread).
5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Exercise to enhance immune function.
7. Stay away from sneezers, coughers and sick people.
8. Use alcohol-based hand wipes often.
9. Stop smoking if you have not already done so.
10. Avoid 'double dipping' with chips or watch out for those who may be dipping double.
11. Use a purse that can be wiped down, like leather or vinyl.
12. No nail-biting.
13. Get happy!
14. Sneeze into the crook of your arm and not your hands.

Andy’s Answers: How Coca-Cola is connecting fans all over the world

By Andy Sernovitz on November 17, 2009

In this interview, Adam Brown, Coca-Cola Group Director, Digital Communications, shares a few tips based on the case study he’ll be presenting:

• Fish where the fish are. Coke is focusing on putting content where the fans are by sharing everything on Twitter, Facebook, Bebo, Orkut, etc.

• Learn to sell these big ideas as internal partnerships. Coke’s Expedition 206 is a partnership of marketing and communications. It’s a new concept at Coke, and probably at any company — and one of the biggest challenges of new media is internally determining where to host these activities.

• Start using these new tools yourself. Get a feel for them by just trying them out. The vast majority of them are free, and your testing might be where some great new ideas come up.

Social Media Revolution

Did You Know?

-1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. last year met via social media

-If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 4th largest between the United States and Indonesia (note that Facebook is now creeping up – recently announced 300 million users)

-2009 US Department of Education study revealed that on average, online students out performed those receiving face-to-face instruction

-% of companies using LinkedIn as a primary tool to find employees….80%

- Eighty percent of Twitter usage is updated outside of Twitter (which means a bad customer experience could spread like wildfire)

Still think you don't need Social Media?

Chick Tip: The Difference

Hello from the MPS Program in Orlando!

Good morning all, I apologize for not getting this to you Monday. I thought it would be most fitting to provide you with an explanation “tip” this week, in light of the Twitter (social media) explosion following President Obama’s Address to Congress last night. Evidently, the site was almost shut down with the high increase of activity or what is called, “tweets” last night. If you are not familiar with - don’t understand – or think you don’t need to....think again. Regardless of your age – your years in practice or your interest in new technology - This is the wave of the future AND can effectively increase your exposure and revenues, if used properly to market your firm and its services.

The Difference between “Social Media” and “Social Media Marketing and PR”

“Social media” signifies a broad spectrum of topics that have a number of different connotations. In the context of Internet marketing, social media refers to a collective group of properties whose content is primarily published by users, not direct employees of the property (e.g. The vast majority of video on YouTube is user generated content).

“Social media marketing and PR”, on the other hand, is about the commercial practice of building ways for fans of a brand or company to promote themselves in multiple online social media platforms. Social media marketing and PR is about collaboration between people. It is about participating with everyone and sharing information. It is as much about giving as it is about receiving from the group. The premise of social media marketing and PR is engaging the consumer in conversation in a way that provides mutual value. It is primarily a strong form of “word of mouth” that can literally reach millions with the click of a button.

This emergence of social media marketing and PR is another way you can generate new and maximize your revenue potential with minimal investment for your firm that can lessen the pressure exacerbated by the impact of our economic recession. Of course, like any other marketing medium, there is an advantage of understanding what works and what doesn’t. Your first step, as an attorney, is to begin educating yourself on this fast growing network of professionals. It is not just kids on-line!

~all the best, Serena