Monday Minute: Smart Content

In today’s Monday Minute, we discuss content. Sure, you can post anything you want in blogs and in the social space. But is it smart?

How are you making sure your content is smart? Let me know in the comments.

It’s common sense, right?!?

Over the last few weeks, I’ve read more than a few white papers, listened and watched webinars, and read a book on how to better use social media. I’ve been told on more than a few occasions that you need to have a plan and you should understand what you are getting into when it comes to our friendly neighborhood Twitter or Facebook account.

While I agree that, in business, you should have a plan (you have a strategy for everything else right?), when it comes to our own individual social media accounts, is it necessary to map this out? When I first started using Twitter, I didn’t sit up at night and say, “I want 200 followers by the end of this month.”  I signed on, jumped in, and started talking.  The same went for Facebook.  I found co-workers, friends, and family to follow.  No plan, no scheme, no a-ha moment.

When using social media, I’m a firm believer in common sense.  Case in point, the young gal who tweeted that she was going to start at Kelly Cutrone’s People’s Revolution.  I’m all for getting excited about a new gig, but when you pop off that you will be “part of the cast,” that’s not using your head.   It doesn’t take that much thought to use social media, believe me.

We all (hopefully) think before we act.  The same should be done when it comes to Tweeting and posting on Facebook. Do we really need a handbook for this? I know some of you out there will argue that, yes, a handbook is needed because there are so many that don’t get it when it comes to social media.

Remember when you took that internship in college… they didn’t hand you something to tell you how to answer a phone or deal with clients and the media.  We learned by watching and being a sponge.

It’s becoming my belief more each day that if we stop for a moment and come to our senses, we’ll see through the smoke and have clarity.

So, let me ask you folks…do we need a social media handbook or is it really common sense? Share your thoughts.

Success in Social Media starts with YOU!

Do you remember back in high school, college or even your professional life, the one person who seemed like they wanted to be Mr. or Mrs. Participation, only to disappear when it was time to do the work?  That what a new study from RJMetrics reminded me of when I read it last week.  The study says that Twitter has hit 75 million users, which is great.  The problem, to me, are these figures:

• About 25 percent of Twitter users have no followers.
• About 40 percent have never sent a single Tweet.
• 80% percent of Twitter users have sent fewer than 10 tweets since signing up.

I realize that people have gravitated to social media thinking that they HAD to do it.  But remember the old saying,” If he jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?” Jump in (to social media, not off a bridge, please!) because you want to, not because you have to do it.  Why sign up for Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn if you aren’t going to use it to your advantage?  I’m on the social media bandwagon and have been for some time.  It’s provided a new avenue to network for my career and foster new friendships. I took the plunge because I wanted to be part of the conversation.

Whether you are a social media veteran or first-time Tweeter, here are five ways which you can enhance your social media presence.

1. Go for a swim- There is nothing like testing the waters to see what is being discussed.  On Facebook, don’t be afraid to comment on a friend’s posting.  On Twitter, you could join a chat like #Journchat, #PRStudChat, or #SportsPRChat.  This will get your juices flowing and your mind thinking.
2. Play favorites- Start following people in your field.  This is a great way to not only gain knowledge, but hopefully get others following you.  And that leads to…
3. Think before you post- Don’t just post something random, like “I didn’t want to get out of the shower today.” Read blogs, news sites, and e-mails.  Then retweet something that you think others would find interesting. It’s about quality, not quantity.
4. Get Smart- Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals, especially if they can help you become more savvy.  It’s also a great way to break down any fears you may have about asking for help.
5. Don’t Give Up- After a month at being on Twitter and Facebook, you see your friend count at 20, while a friend’s is at 200.  Take one step at a time, build your empire of social media followers.  The more active you are, the more apt people are follow you on Twitter.  On Facebook, start searching for old friends and current ones.

Start today.  Dive into your Facebook page and add a profile photo, put some information in and follow some groups.  Are you one of the 40 percent that haven’t sent a single Tweet? Change that today.

What are your success stories in social media?

Mission Resolution

Leading up to and after New Year’s Day, I listened to no less than a hundred different resolutions we should all make.  After stopping the spinning of my head, I started to think back to something that happened in 1994.  (cue the flashback)

One of the greatest summers of my life was in 1994.  I was accepted at Temple University and my favorite hockey team, the New York Rangers, played what I still consider the greatest Stanley Cup Finals in NHL history.   The Blueshirts’ epic battle with the underdog Vancouver Canucks was seven games of absolute drama, with the Rangers coming out on top in a memorable series.

The process to winning that championship did not come without a plan, or a resolution. Prior to training camp, coach Mike Keenan showed the team a video, which showed previous championship teams in New York and the parades they were thrown.  The point was to get every player on the same page: If you want the parade, stick to my plan.

So why make a series of resolutions when you should really be making one resolution? Ok, I know that in work you can’t always make just one resolution since performance is usually based on a series of resolutions. BUT.. in your own life, you CAN make a single resolution.  Maybe you want to start your own blog.  Make it your resolution to research, launch, and maintain it.  If you have always wanted to make a difference in your community, find an organization that fits your interests and give your time.

The bottom line is that you don’t have to make a series of resolutions to consider your year, or your life at the time, a success. Focus on that one resolution to raise your own Cup at the end of 2010.