This time last year, I wasn’t thinking about Social Media as a business tool.  It was completely personal and I didn’t even call it Social Media.  It was a little bit of blogging on MySpace, Facebook (for Social Gaming) and dabbling in Twitter for fun. I had no prediction, thoughts or formatted ideas to offer.   I had only understood it as a way our radio stations could enhance listener experiences with our brands.  I was looking at it as completely personal, not business.  When I think about that statement it occurs to that I have always been a relationship first salesperson also.  I would go to see clients numerous times before wrapping up a deal.  Sometimes receiving criticism for not closing quick enough from bosses but found in the end it always turned to praises at my so called “sales abilities”.  I am so NOT a sales person.  Some of you who know me are laughing right now.  I think of myself as a trust executive designing solutions for companies marketing problems.  In addition I see the sales process as no more than a transfer of enthusiasm.  If I am excited about my product or service it will become contagious to whoever I am in front of.  This is also the approach I bring to Social Media.


For me, 2009 will be looked back at as the year that the veil of social media was lifted and it became mainstream. Barack Obama’s campaign showed social media was a powerful tool to mobilize, the battle between Ashton Kutcher and CNN on who would get to one million followers first put Twitter in the limelight and the protests in Iran again showed Social Media as a powerful life tool.

In 2010 I believe that:

-Twitter is still going to be the “New Twitter.” Twitter is like a Cocktail or Networking party.  You can search for words, cities or phrases and join any conversation.  Sometimes I lovingly refer to Twitter as “chum.”  It is a great way to meet new contacts.  As I get to know people we move on to Facebook, read each other’s blogs, work together, or simply just enjoy conversing through 140 characters. Twitter is very personal for everyone and there really isn’t a wrong way to use it.  You will know what feels right and what level you can keep up on correspondence!

 -Mobile will become ‘the’ Social Media optimization tool through Geotagging (the process of adding geographical identification metadata to your tweets, posts) and Foursquare will continue to be the breakup winner in this category and the “Mayor” of the game.  Look for Twitter and Facebook to make advances and improvements to your experience in this category as well.  You will start to receive relevant ad’s that come to you because you use their product or opted in to receive info about it.

-Social Media Policies will go from “good to have” to “must have“.   We witnessed firings and non-hirings, media frenzies and even unwanted attention for photos and comments.  What is common sense to one person may seem uptight to another.  The best way to deal with the gray areas, is to define them.  Write it down and pass it around is your safest bet!

-Video Blogging or Vlogging will create more and more internet stars.  I really want to start Vlogging but have seen myself on TV and heard myself on the radio enough times to be a little apprehensive but I think I am an exception most people seem to just jump right in to the Video world especially with all these great Video phones etc.  Until I feel more comfortable, Sissy will be the video star in this family!

-Facebook will become an even more personal Social Media Network similar to a backyard BBQ due to all the privacy settings and force people who want to advertise there to pay for it.  I have noticed Fan Pages popping up left and right.  You would like to think that your company is so great that it will go viral right away? It is hard to grow your Fan Page without assistance, unless you are a celebrity or recognized brand and even then it can be a challenge, without paying for advertising on Facebook.  (Here is another way that I like to use Twitter to direct people to clients Fan Pages.)

Last but not least be sure that whoever does your Social Media knows what they are doing.  The best way to figure this out is to look at their Twitter, Facebook Fan Page or Blog and see if they have followers or what kind of posts they are making.  If they claim to work with other people look for success references.  Just because someone says they know what they are doing doesn’t mean they do. I fix mistakes that someone’s niece, nephew, graphic designer, website person did for them ALL the time.

If you are just dabbling at this point check out this article.  It has really helpful information for Optimizing Twitter http://bit.ly/4qggtW and I still believe that Twitter is the best resource to grow your Social Media following. Facebook and Blogging will continue to be limited by the traffic you bring to them!

Social Media gives you FREE access to promote you/your business.  With a little effort you can achieve respectable reach and unprecedented frequency!

Jessica is the Social Media Editor for Full Throttle Country-Country Radio’s newest full-service and free interactive idea sharing and new media on-line service. She has over 19 years experience including Radio, Television, Internet and Print Sales as well as an On-Air Radio personality.  She is an Entrepreneur who owns MediaJess.com servicing all website needs including domain names, hosting, SSL Certificates etc. She specializes in big ideas and is known for the ability to create complete marketing campaigns and bridge marketing partnerships. Her company Finger Candy Media provides Social and New Media optimization planning for businesses, brands and individuals.

twitter.com/jessicanorthey
jessicanorthey@gmail.com
fingercandymedia.com

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