Social Media MythsSylwiaPresley.com

Sylwia Presley, social media practitioner and advisor

ABOUT ME

I am a social media and digital adviser helping individuals, brands and organisations tell their stories to drive the change, mostly with the help of new online technologies and social media.

I work with people who are interested in experimenting with tech and social media to improve their own lives and to drive social change. I am an active (social media, nonprofits, activism and coffee) blogger, citizen journalist and photographer. I organize networking and fundraising events. I am speaking at conferences. I build Wordpress websites with full social media integration, initiate content plans, set up communities and specific campaigns. I coach individuals who dare to expand their current skills into social media and tech. Full list of services and testimonials: http://sylwiapresley.com/about/ Past and present clients:

Introduction to Social Media

Social Media History

Social Media: Tools, Content & People

Social Media - Present

“The term Social Media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue.” (Wikipedia)

http://youtu.be/H61WvxOm1AM

Core social media tools to consider

Social Media: Tools, Content & People

Content in social media

Core ideas for social media content plan

Process for social media content sharing

Social media vs. paid and owned media

Social Media: Tools, Content & People

Ripple effect of conversations in networks

Trust Agents

Brand ambassadors

Social Media vs. Brands – Wave 6 report

Additional Tips

Transparency – how much should I say?

Transparency is one of the key concepts of social media. The only way you can establish a genuine, legitimate and trusted voice is by being honest.

•Tell people who you are and why you are there.

•Post about how you behave on-line, what you like and dislike.

•Explain, if you do something unusual or post many times (spam?).

•Apologise openly for mistakes (multiple updates).

•Manage relationships openly, with respect (explain if you unfriend people).

•If you set up your own rules, explain them to your audiences.

It is for you to decide to what extend you are going to share your private life, but whatever you choose, explain why you are doing so, so others know how to manage your privacy too.

Ethics – how to behave?

There are general rules of on-line behaviour (like this presentation) and website specific ones (DM on Twitter for example).

•Check Google for “website name+ethics” results to read more about your tools.

•When you join, ask openly for tips.

•Investigate and clarify misunderstandings. Apologise if needed.

•Appreciate feedback, even if negative – it’s the only way to learn.

•Always respond to direct questions or concerns.

•Do not leave open issues. Resolve them all.

•Be polite and respectful.

At the end of the day a very simple rule applies:

“Behave the very same way you would behave off-line”

Accuracy – what if I am wrong?

Posting on-line, in public spaces means you need to know what you are saying. Most of the social media tools allow commenting, so you need to expect feedback to your content. It is beneficial to maintain accuracy of your posts, but if you happen to make a mistake:

•Investigate and admit it.

•Explain why you made it.

•Appreciate feedback.

•Do better next time.

The most valuable characteristics of social media is the value of discussions. It’s the self-regulating nature of on-line conversations that allows us to learn, bond and collaborate, and in the end – develop.

Genuine tonality – what if I am personal?

In order to become a genuine member of on-line community you need to be personal. Even large brands are expected to be personal.

Your readers will want to know your hobbies, your current location, your favourites and everything else they can associate with. Just remember:

•Do not share sensitive information (check-in at home),

•Share relevant topics (coffee is always relevant at work, having a miscarriage not),

•Find the right balance between professional and personal,

•Try posting about your inspirations – things you read shape who your are.

As you would do off-line, you cannot always talk about work. To bond with audiences you need to find a connection through your personal experiences, favourites or issues. Do it wisely.

Content creation – what do I say?

Creating valuable content seems like a challenge, but once you start posting you will see how your narrative develops together with input form others. Posting on-line is not talking at others, but conversing with them.

•Ensure you bring value to the community.

•Your personality is valuable too, but keep the right balance.

•Share things you like to inspire others.

•Share things you do, your achievements and failures – ask for feedback.

•Share your reactions to events and ideas to discuss them in public.

•Post about your experience of social media too.

•Comment on posts of other users.

The ultimate goal of your content is to generate reactions and valuable discussion.

Inspire and contribute instead of announcing and publishing.

Productivity – what if takes a lot of time?

Providing you are clear on the goals of your social media presence, you should be aware of what is productive and what is not. There are many tools allowing you to manage social media work wisely and save time, but remember:

•You do not have to write an essay to make a valid point.

•Sharing links and other material does not take much time.

•One valuable sentence is worth more than few lines of updates.

•Invest in quality not quantity.

•Use tools like calendar or task list to manage your social media work.

•Use social media applications to manage your on-line conversations.

•Measure and evaluate on the time spent on-line. Improve your time management on an on-going basis.

Additional reading

Concept of our web shadow

Social media marketing

Concept of trust agents

CONTACT

Sylwia Presleysylwiapresley@gmail.comTel: +44 (0) 7850 138178

SylwiaPresley.comTwitter: @presleysylwiaFacebook: facebook.com/sylwiapresleySkype: sylwia.presley