Getting Started in Social Media: It’s Not Too Late

So, where are you on “all this social media stuff?” It’s interesting to me how many people, both friends and business associates, have not plugged in to social media. Especially, since various forms surround us and many have no idea it exists. Consider a few examples:

• Susan Boyle’s YouTube video – the most viewed YouTube video ever.
• Domino’s Pizza employees videotape themselves conducting disgusting acts with food.
• Kentucky Fried Chicken employees videotape themselves in dishwashing sinks.
• All your friends who are trying to get you on Facebook.
• Twitter and all the people who say, “I don’t get it.”
• President Barack Obama who used Twitter as part of his presidential campaign.

More and more, social media surrounds us. It’s reached a point which the national news media has started to comment on, and actually re-purposing the content that is found in social media. Yet, so many are also on the sideline in a game that is quickly developing and, for many, blowing right past them.

In a wonderful blog posted by Catherine P. Taylor in Social Media Insider, Ms. Taylor writes:

“When you’re deeply involved in this business, it’s too easy to remember that others are not. But, my patience on that will soon wear thin. If we’re still in the first inning of social media, we’re clearly at the bottom of the first, with two men out, runners on first and second, and a hitter who routinely hits into double plays at bat.”

Her point is well taken in that, businesses both big and small need to wake up and understand that social media is not going away. They also need to realize that the groundswell that can be created through all social media channels can be substantial and potentially devastating to any organization.

So, what do you do? Consider this:

Don’t panic. It’s still early in the game, but you need to develop a strategy and implementation plan quickly. Remember, even though we’re in the early “innings,” this may be the first of a double header and the first game could be over in a hurry. So, don’t waste months creating a committee, whose job is to assess the current market and then present possibilities for implementation over the next 24 -36 months. Guess what? With the way communications is moving, if you get bogged down in bureaucracy your competition may be on to the next big thing.

Be nimble. This is the offshoot of the above. Get smart fast and get with smart people. You need to partner with people who “get it.” How do you know who they are, especially since a lot of people out there are claiming to be “experts” in social media? You may be best served to avoid anyone who says they are “experts,” because in the first inning, most hitters haven’t figured out how to hit the pitcher just yet. Scott Meis, a strategic social media professional with Carolyn Grisko & Associations in Chicago offers up great tips for hiring Web 3.0 personnel on his blog. Check it out: http://scottmeis.com/2008/12/01/pr-30-do-you-have-the-skills-to-compete/

Be helpful. Okay, if you haven’t heard this one yet (especially by me), then you need to know this. You don’t need to know “jack” about social media, but you can start right away if you do one thing: Help people. You’re probably really good at your job and can offer great advice to people on certain topics. If this is the case, offer your advice. You’ll be amazed how many people will take an interest in you when you take an interest in them.

Listen. Start paying attention to what is being said about you in blogs and on discussion boards. Create a Google Alert for your business and start monitoring all online conversations about you and your company. Whether you’re participating in social media or not, there are others out there who may be taking shots at you or your organization. Know what’s being said and you’ll have a chance to react to any unknown issues that your business is facing.

Get on Facebook. At bare minimum, sign yourself up on Facebook. It’s free, it’s easy and it’s the quickest way I know to connect with qualified people that can help you network your business. A word to the wise, however, don’t get on Facebook and start telling people what you do and that you’re trying to grow or build your business. Think of it like going to a reunion. Re-connect with people, ask lots of questions and learn what others are up to. There’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth – so we can listen twice as much as we speak. This applies in social media too.

That should get you started, but remember you can’t take your first swing, if you don’t get off the bench and get into the game.

Ed Heil is the owner and president of StoryTeller Media & Communications an inbound marketing and public relations agency and video production company based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ed blogs on topics related to inbound marketing, social media, media relations, news media, video production and crisis communications.

Tags: Blogging, Catherine P. Taylor, Domino's Pizza, Facebook, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Scott Meis, social media, Social Media Insider, Susan Boyle, Twitter

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