June 15th, 2010
According to Wikipedia® as of 2009, an estimated quarter of the Earth's population uses the services of the Internet. The Internet has become a part of our daily lives and for many people it is almost impossible to envision a day going by without using the computer to check email, book a vacation or get directions to a restaurant. For some, the internet may be their only form of communication. Because of our willingness to embrace technology, social media evolved and created a new way for people to communicate online.
So what is Social Media? It is a form of media that is based on conversations and interaction between people online. If you browse the Internet, you will find endless social media websites but those that are currently the most trendy, and highlight below, are Twitter®, FaceBook®, LinkedIn®, and blogging sites.
What is Twitter®?
Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send and receive text messages via the internet or cell phone. People who use Twitter are called Tweeple. Twitter messages are limited to 140 characters and the message that is transmitted is called a tweet. The goal of Twitter users is to get as many users as possible to read their posts. When users agree to read your posts they become your followers. Users not only can read posts but pass them along to other Tweeple. Forwarding a message is called a retweet. It is currently acceptable to use Twitter for both personal and business needs. According to Wikipedia, there are approximately 44 million Twitter users. Become a follower of MKG at http://twitter.com/mkgiplaw.
What is Facebook®?
Facebook is a social networking website, and anyone over the age of thirteen can become a Facebook user. On Facebook, users create a profile about themselves, which is maintained on something called a wall. The wall is the space where you invite others to view items you post which may include anything from gossip to pictures to interesting links. Once users accept your “invitation”, you become friends. Friends can view each other’s walls and have the capability to post on the other’s wall. Users can join networks of friends that are organized by friendship, workplace, school, hobby, etc. In the past most people used Facebook for personal reasons, but it has become acceptable for businesses to use it as a form of communication. According to Wikipedia, there are approximately 250 million active Facebook users. Become a friend of MKG at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Michaud-Kinney-Group-LLP/421201440857?ref=search&sid=1086634761.4127808138..1.
What is LinkedIn®?
LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site used primarily for professional networking. Users create a profile about themselves that may contain information on past and present jobs, positions they hold outside of the office and networking organizations in which they belong. Users invite other users to link to them. Once invites are accepted, the users become connected and can view each other’s profiles as well has gain access to profiles each has collected. The more connections one makes, the more profiles become available for viewing. Connections are useful for networking purposes, job hunting, recruiting, giving recommendations and establishing business relationships. However, LinkedIn is not normally used to solicit business directly. If used properly it is meant to grow and strengthen relationships, which could lead to future new business. According to Wikipedia, there are approximately 65 million registered users on LinkedIn. Connect to MKG at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1861570.
What is a Blog?
A blog is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary. Blogs can contain text, graphics, video, and links to other blogs and usually relate to a specific subject matter. According to a report published by Universal McCann®, as of March 2008 there were 184 million blogs created worldwide, with 346 million people reading blogs globally. Read the MKG blog at http://www.mkgip.com/blog/.
So now that you know what social media is, how can it help your business? Social media can:
- Allow you to reach the masses.
- Bring more traffic to your website due to mentions on social media pages.
- Be helpful in reaching out to individuals, other businesses and organizations.
- Broaden a search for a job candidate.
- Allow your company to track and be tracked. You can use social media to keep track of what your competitor is doing.
- Provide direct feedback on what is being said about your company/brand/product.
- Allow you to timely respond to comments/questions/concerns about your company/product/brand.
- Promote direct communications with current and potential consumers since it is a two- way interactive conversation.
- Bring down advertising costs since it may be more cost effective than traditional advertising.
- Help to enhance your brand recognition.
Finally, below are a few social media guidelines that might be helpful when getting started in social media:
- Pick the right form of social media for your message.
- Consider the message before you post and consider the reaction it will get.
- Abide by terms and conditions of each media site. Remember each site may have different site rules.
- Do not mix your personal social networking sites with your business sites. Set up two sites if necessary, one for personal use and the other for business.
- Follow all state and federal regulations regarding the internet and advertising.
- Have guidelines and policies for your employee’s use of social media sites and the internet.
For further information on this and intellectual property in general, please visit our website and archives at www.mkgip.com.
Twitter® is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
LinkedIn® is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corp.
Universal McCann® is a registered trademark of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.
