The Foundations of Social Media:

Facebook, Twitter and Social Media’s Implications for Jewish Educators

Presented by Lisa Colton, Founder & President Darim Online

Lisa@darimonline.org434.977.1170

COMMUNICATIONS REVOLUTION

COMMUNICATIONS REVOLUTION

• See NYTimes Article “Brave New World of Digital Intimacy” Sept 7, 2008

• JewPoint0.org blog post, including link to the article: http://bit.ly/MqtCw

• “Right now is the largest increase in expressive capability in human history.” - Clay Shirky on TED

Ambient Awareness

Characteristics of Social Media

• Participatory: It blurs the line between producer and consumer, media and audience.

• Open and Democratic: It encourages voting, comments and the sharing of information. For this reason it is seen as authentic and trustworthy.

• Conversational: Two (or more) way conversation rather than one-directional broadcast. Is personal, specific, and engaging.

• Communal: Supports formation, growth & strength of communities around a particular shared interest.

• Connected: Thrives on being connected, rather than being territorial and proprietary.

Attention EconomyListen & Be Conversational Add ValueBe RealPrepare for Constant Change

6 New Rules of the Game

#1 THIS IS AN ATTENTION ECONOMY

#2 ListenAnd…

Temple Israel, Memphis Facebook Page

… Be Conversational

Temple Israel, Memphis Facebook Page

#3: ADD

VALUE

Social Content is Social Capital

• Social Capital is the value of the connections between and among social networks for increasing productivity, spreading information, and locating desired resources.

• Content should be newsworthy, unique, controversial, timely immediately useful and/or funny.

• 1:12 or 1:20 ratio

Unofficial Outposts

Find places where your target audience goes.

Participate in the conversation. Add value, educate, include links.

Use your “listening” to identify these places.

Your Unique Value

#4: BE REAL

Voice: Sixth & I Synagogue in DC

Make it Personal

#5: Prepare for Constant Change: Anticipate The Shifting Market & Be Nimble

How is parenting and family life changing?

How does this impact your business and

“product” delivery?

How are you positioned to keep up?

Real Life Example

John Fitch’s Steam Engine

John Fitch’s Steam Engine

Source: Flickr user JYRO

Source: Flickr user Rick Neves

Source: Flickr user divemasterking2000

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Stay nimble - Change will continue• Know what you want to measure

and how you’ll know if you’re successful

• Think about staffing and guidelines• Address your whole culture, not

just marketing & communications.

IT’S NOT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY