Comments on: 8 emerging social media best practices

By: Barb Chamberlain

Barb Chamberlain — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:21:19 +0000

This is outstanding and just what I need. I’ve been developing my own involvement in social networks not only for myself, but to learn about what it takes. Now I’m getting closer to launching some initiatives for what Washington State University is doing in the health sciences at my campus, WSU Spokane, and I’m going to share this with my co-workers (along with some of your others, including the “newbie” post).
We are approaching health care with a team philosophy, not the traditional silos. With the next generation of students in particular, social media will be an unquestioned part of their lives, and we need to be in that space fostering and demonstrating our team approach.
(For a look at what we mean, see our YouTube video at http://twurl.cc/6fc and follow links in the text description)
@BarbChamberlain

By: Gavin Heaton

Gavin Heaton — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:44:09 +0000

The beeline labs report is excellent.

Too often, social media is seen as a tactical method for reducing cost rather than a strategic approach to engaging your customer base/audience. To get the most out of social media, we have to re-think the way that we integrate it with our other marketing efforts.

By: paul merrill

paul merrill — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:42:34 +0000

Great post!

Your point 2 (Focus on the value to the members) is in the limelight these days – and for good reason.

By: bradmays

bradmays — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:41:02 +0000

Another great post, Shannon. Thanks. I’d offer these thoughts for the group … I particularly like this line: “Participate
but do not try to control. The community belongs to the people, not you.”

It’s related to the concept that communities aren’t created, they form. It’s the creator’s job to provide a forum, feed it regularly and get out of the way, where appropriate. You don’t create the conversation any more than you create the thoughts in the minds of the participants. The value is found in the natural exchange of ideas and concepts – much like we are doing here.

By: Angela Hill

Angela Hill — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:52:54 +0000

Great post, Shannon. I agree completely. Our clients biggest hurdle at the start of any project, is that they do not understand the difference between business strategy, mission/vision statements and marketing messages, and why they’re so important.

Once you are very clear about who you are serving and what specific needs you are addressing, then the rest falls into place. Unfortunately, you can’t deliver a great site to support your organization if you haven’t done your homework!

Looking forward to reading more…

By: shannonpaul

shannonpaul — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:36:08 +0000

@Ari – I’m not sure what people refer to when they suggest that there is a saturation point for web-based communities. To me that’s like saying there is a saturation point for causes. Maybe each individual has a saturation point, but I don’t believe that an overall saturation point exists. As I’m sure you know, for most people engaged in social networks, online and offline activities begin to blend seamlessly into one another.

@Jenny Thanks, but really it’s the folks at Beeline Labs who did such a great job with this survey. The information they have been able to put together could provide enough fodder for about 20 blog posts. This was just one of many pieces worth sharing.

By: it's all about social media

it's all about social media — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:31:57 +0000

[...] Shannon Paul’s Very Official Blog, Oct 2008 [...]

By: Jenny McCutcheon

Jenny McCutcheon — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:26:21 +0000

This is a great post Shannon! With the relative newness of social media, many companies are jumping on the social media bandwagon without much consideration to the purpose or value each social media outlet will add to their organization. It’s important, like you said, to ensure that companies realize the time involved with managing these social media tools.

It also seems as though many companies are still struggling with how to best measure the results of social media efforts. For example, what is the ROI for participating in these groups?

Companies would be smart to research the social media tools that best fit their business, and figure out how to provide value to their customers through establishing and participating in one or more online social media communities.

By: Ari

Ari — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:42:47 +0000

Great stuff to consider Shannon. I wouldn’t necessarily add to this list other than to note that it’s going to be come more and more important. A saturation point for folks regarding online communities and activities does exist, and some of even the most committed people are starting to see it hit.