Well, In my humble opinion Social Networking is here to stay!  Nearly all business sectors are currently embracing these communication tools at some level.  Quietly, a paradigm shift (from skepticism to validation) of this technology has been occurring in business organizations for some time now.   Early Adopters of Social Media are already steps ahead of their peers.  Looking ahead, the reality is organizations downplaying the importance of Social Networking will be left in the dust by their more “forward thinking” competitors. My recommendation is engage yourself, and do it quickly!

There must be a balance between the time you budget for SM and other job responsibilities.  Due to its interactive and fluid nature, some people find themselves preoccupied with these tools and sometimes their overall job performance suffers.  Needless to say, that is not a good thing, for either the employee or  employer.  So, here are some tips on how to make your transition to the Social networking scene successful.

Plan Well — Create a written statement outlining your vision of what you wish to accomplish with each Social media application.

Sample Plan:

• Facebook
  • learn more about clients’ background and interests
  • strengthen personal connections
• Twitter
  • Collaborate with other industry Twitter users, exchanging information, relevant articles and perspectives on hot business topics.
  • Develop my brand and reputation in the online community
  • Build and maintain new & existing business relationships
• LinkedIn
  • Develop an online business profile validating my credibility as a business person and individual.
  • Participate in relevant industry Group communities demonstrating thought leadership
  • strengthen existing industry relationships and develop new ones.

Schedule Strategically — develop a routine allocating certain times of the day for social networking.

Sample Routine:

• Early Morning (7am – 8:15am)
  • Visit Facebook page and review posts made, check message inbox and respond accordingly.
  • Socialize with Facebook friends online.  (water cooler talk)
  • Open Twitter and review tweet posts made by users followed.
  • Follow up tweets of interest (Retweet, or acknowledge value to author).
  • Review News feeds, and post relevant tweets with article links to followers.
  • Review growth of follower base from previous day.
• Mid Day (12noon – 1:15pm)
  • Check LinkedIn site for activity in member groups.
  • Respond to any discussions of interest and clip any relevant articles, posting them to Twitter for followers.
  • Review LinkedIn Inbox messages and respond.
  • Check Twitter messages, and review new tweets posted by users followed.
  • Follow up tweets of interest (Retweet, or acknowledge value to author).
  • Stop by Facebook to review any new posts and comment on those as appropriate.
• Late Afternoon (4-5:15pm)
  • Stop by Facebook to review any new posts and comment on those as appropriate
  • Check LinkedIn message inbox and respond.
  • Check Twitter messages, new posts and follower volume since the morning.
  • Follow up tweets of interest (Retweet, or acknowledge value to author).

Note: This schedule is theoretical, and depending on your work responsibilities and routine, could shift from day to day.

Learn the features of the Social Networking applications and use them prudently.

• Schedule Your Posts — Twitter has a few sister applications allowing users the flexibility of creating their tweet posts at their convenience and then scheduling them to be posted later.  One such application is called “Tweet Later.com“  There are many other applications like this available… the analogy I would use is that these tools function in much the same was as Tivo does for television.
• Tweetdeck – is a powerful external twitter client application (with Facebook interface) that enables a user to organize and filter through all the Twitter and Facebook posts they receive.  Here is a link to a really good article providing some tutorial guidance on this great tool!
• Manage your Online Friends — Each application has its own functionality for this process.  There is a time commitment to building these relationships so make good decisions regarding who you initiate an online relationship with.  If you have some folks on your friends list not contributing to the connection, then you may wish to evaluate whether they should continue being part of your network.

I look forward to your feedback regarding this article and please share your thoughts and ideas here!

Twitter and other Social Networking applications are all about finding common ground, building a sense of community and shared learning.  In order to have an impact on the “Twitterverse,”  you must build a portfolio of “followers,” usually comprised of other users having an interest in your tweets.  There are some critical things you must do with your twitter account immediately to position yourself for success.  At the top of your Twitter Profile Page click on “Settings.”  Then review the following:

• Name — Insert your real name, when people visit your Twitter Profile they will recognize you immediately.

• Your Username — If your goal is to brand yourself with other twitter users I recommend creating a username that quickly identifies who you are.  For example my username is “MikeMcCurry.”  This username also becomes your URL for your public profile.  (i.e.http://twitter.com/MikeMcCurry)

• Your Bio — This area of your profile is critically important as it is the first place other users will learn about you.  Most Twitter users are looking for a connection.  This is your opportunity to define who you are.  My Bio reads as follows:

“Creative thinker by nature,Event Mgr by trade,Harley Rider, Musician/Songwriter loves gadgets,bears football & wants to network! Social Media rocks!”

• More Info URL — If you publish a personal blog, or web page put the URL for that site here.  It will give users additional resources to learn more about you.
  

• Your Security Settings — At the bottom of the page is a checkbox for “Protect my Updates.”   If you check this box then no one on Twitter will be able to see your posts without your permission.  If you wish to remain anonymous then this is useful .  If you want your Twitter voice to be heard then people must have access to your tweets.  In my own experience if I come across someone whose updates are protected I do not bother following them, because I gain no value.  Most of my Twitter colleagues have a similar philosophy.

• Your Picture – Research has shown many Twitter users are more likely to “follow” someone with a high quality profile picture of themselves.  If you are using your Twitter account for business this is a really good idea.  Crazy and unusual pictures, or suggestive poses may send the wrong message to prospective followers, depending on your business objective.  To add your picture click on the “picture” tab and then select a picture from your computer hard drive to use.  The file must be JPG, GIF, or PNG and a maximum size of 700 kb.

• Find Followers — The best place to start is to find family, friends and business colleagues on Twitter.  At the top of the Twitter page is a menu selection called “find friends.”  Click on that and then type in the first and last name of someone you want to locate.  When their name comes up in search result list find the appropriate individual and then click “follow.”  If they know you they will most likely follow back.  Repeat the same steps to find more users.  I recommend a directory that is quite useful  to find Twitter users with targeted interests.  It is called “Twellow.”  Vist this site as it will provide you lots of choices for finding followers.  You may also list yourself in this directory for free, which is great exposure for you.
  

• Post Tweets – After you acquire some followers the best way to make connections and build a following on Twitter is to begin posting tweets.   Click on the “home” button at the top of the Twitter page which will transition you to the place where you post tweets and review received tweets from other Twitter followers.  Review some tweets from other people first to become acquainted with how the tweet system works.  The one rule always is your tweets must be 140 characters or less.  The Twitter application will warn you when your post exceeds the character limit.  If nothing else Twitter will teach you to write powerful statements with very few words, which is a valuable skill!
  

• TweetDeck — A wonderful free software application is available on the web significantly enhancing your Twitter experience.  It is called TweetDeck.  After downloading and installing this software here is a great article providing helpful tips for using the software.

I hope you become as excited as I am about Twitter and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this article.  I welcome your feedback.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

With the arrival of Web 2.0 applications into the marketplace there is a whole new set of business communication tools available to assist people in fulfilling their adviser role with customers.  Social media is all about relationship building, connection, collaboration and building a sense of community.  This fits perfectly into a consultant’s business model.

To succeed in the consulting world begins with gaining credibility and earning a client’s trust.  You must demonstrate you have their best interests in mind and are willing to do what it takes to help them succeed.  Here are (8) steps to earning your stripes as a “trusted adviser:”

• Frequent Communications — is essential to relationship building.  Find reasons to communicate with your client.  Whether it is meeting at an industry event, sharing a relevant news tidbit, or acknowledging a special day (birthday, anniversary) solid touches are very important.  Facebook has a great reminder system for birthdays
• Thought Leadership — If you write a new blog article, or speak at an industry event make sure your client is aware of this.  Send them a personal invitation on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter asking them to check out your work.  They will appreciate it, and it adds value to the relationship.
• Shared Information — In the social media world all kinds of information and resources are floating around.  If you come across a news article, picture, or video clip that is relevant to a particular customer, share it with them.  That tidbit could be business or personally focused.  Both are important, as you are acknowledging through your actions you are paying attention to them.  In particular Twitter is a wonderful platform to share information.  If your client does not have a Twitter account invite them to do so and then send them a “Twitter for Beginners” article to help get them started.
• Do the Research — Visit your client’s website, read their trade publications and learn their products/services.  Understand their organizational structure and business dynamics.  This will equip you with the knowledge base to initiate an intelligent conversation with them.  LinkedIn is a great resource for learning about an organization, or the individuals in it.
• Exercise Integrity & Honesty — You need to “walk the talk!!”  If you make a commitment to do something for your client then follow through and deliver.  If for some reason a challenge occurs then be upfront about it … they will appreciate the candor!
• Transparency — Don’t be afraid to be the person you are!  That makes you real and provides a basis for bonding and finding commonality.  Facebook is a wonderful platform for sharing tidbits of who you are to business colleagues and customers, as well as friends of course.
• Do the Right Thing — As much as you would like to be everything to everyone, it is not always possible.   It is always best to take the “high road” and recommend an outside solution to your customer than to force feed your own, when it isn’t the best one.  In the long run the pain of that missed opportunity will be overshadowed by the good will and credibility you will gain.

I am sure I have not covered everything in this article but I hope it will be a good resource for you as you build business relationships in the future.  I look forward to your feedback!

Have a great day!

The following article contains some simple information explaining the current status of this outbreak:

http://news.myjoyonline.com/health/200904/29298.asp

As Event Professionals it is incumbent upon us to provide relevant information to our customers regarding risky situations. Above all it is important to maintain a sense of calm. Here are some suggestions for you and your organization regarding a communication plan for the Swine Flu:

Do:

1. Work with your Public relations teams closely regarding all communications on this topic

2. Refer your clients to official news bulletins from government agencies

3. Keep all stakeholders informed of your actions and decisions

* Event staff

* Speakers

* Delegates

* Exhibitors, sponsors

* Supplier partners

4. Limit information to facts; do not provide opinions of status or severity

5. Update your information regularly and actively communicate the latest actions you are taking

6. Encourage attendees to take personal precautions (get from website)

* Hand Sanitizer

* Food Handling

7. Advise delegates:

* Still looking forward to seeing you

* Allow for extra time when entering into the airports

8. Talk to venues to understand the venue policies

9. Provide hand sanitizer at your events (bulk and personal)

10. Monitor public travel advisory services in your local

Don’t :

1. Panic or use any information or wording that creates alarm.

2. Make decisions without consulting with key stakeholders and PR

3. Act as the expert on this topic (limit information to official sources)

4. Provide information based on opinion

5. Pretend it doesn’t exist. (take actions to address delegate concerns immediately)

Actions are already being put in place by government and health organizations to investigate and take actions to control this outbreak of Swine influenza. The following links are sources of official information with regards to these actions and the actions that you can take.

Basic Hygiene Information to Share

Unlike the experience in Mexico, the United States is seeing less severe disease. Health officials recommend people continue to take precautions to protect themselves as they would from colds and seasonal flu:

Make good respiratory etiquette and hygiene habits a part of your daily routine especially in confined spaces like automobiles, airplane cabins, train cars and the like. Currently recommended prevention methods include the following:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

* Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* If you have no tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

* The use of alcohol-based hand cleaners is encouraged.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, call your doctor; CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Official information

Centre for Disease Control — http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

CDC recommends the following actions regarding -

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_003

The World Health Organization is the primary organization for communication of issues with regards to public health. Please ensure that you use this as your primary source of information and communication of information regarding this issue:  http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/

General information regarding the phases of pandemic alert:

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html

Swine influenza information:  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

US Department of Health & Human Services:  http://www.hhs.gov/

Recent press release (April 26th):  http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/04/20090426a.html

Airline Information

Airlines have been issuing their own travel advisory regarding ticketing rules and travel to affected areas.

US Airways:  http://www.usairways.com/awa/TravelAdvisory/TravelAdvisoryCenter.aspx

American Airlines:  https://www.aa.com/aa/listNewsAndOffers.do?locale=en_US&method=View+All+News

Travel advisories

Contact your local embassy or Public travel service.

Initially I thought it made the most sense to connect only with people in my business sector, the events industry. Quickly I realized my social media experience would be greatly enriched by expanding my horizons. Selecting a connection is more intuitive than structured. Here are four recommended practices, when applied sensibly, that may lead to better decisions regarding your connections.

1. The Bio — When considering whether to follow/add someone as a connection read their Biography. You will gain insight into their areas of interest and networking focus. If you sense there may be synergy then connect. Personally, if a person does not post a Bio I don’t connect with them.
2. Silence is Not Golden — Review the recent history of a potential connection’s communications. Connect with people who are consistent. There is no value in the relationship if there is no interaction!
3. Profile Picture — A person’s profile picture can offer insight into their personality and networking motivation. It is difficult to connect with a person having no picture!
4. Variety is Spice – much depth and balance will be added to your networking experience if you seek quality people with diverse backgrounds. Who knows.. that next great idea might come from a connection with someone distinctly different than you!

The value and spirit of social media is to enrich the lives of other people and yours in return. By connecting with people embracing that philosophy you will truly discover a whole new universe of collaboration. That is truly powerful!

Do you have an idea to share based upon your social networking experience… please post it!!

Thanks and have a terrific day!

Like most other things in life, the energy and passion you invest into your own Social Media (SM) network will determine the value of your experience! In an online community an individual influences his/her own experience by making choices, conscious or sub-conscious, regarding the honesty, tone and direction of communications with other users. Most SM experts recommend transparency as the most effective choice for communications.

Usually, a person’s core values and morals will influence their interactions. Of course that is not always the case, as some users view online social media as an opportunity to play out their fantasies and engage in experimental behavior. This is particularly true in places like Second Life (SL), (http://www.secondlife.com) a virtual world where a person designs an online version of themselves, called an “avitar.” In SL an avitar may embody both real and unreal physical characteristics, including gender choice and human/non human appearance. Users have the choice to communicate in whatever context they wish and their behavior is only governed by the SL terms of service. (TOS)

SM is sort of the “Wild West” of business communications, as it is a relatively unrestricted communication forum with many avenues still to be explored. That is both exciting and dangerous. In my SM experience I have learned some lessons over time and here are a few high points:

1. Golden Rule – Treat other people the way you wish to be treated. There probably is no greater truth in this world …!
2. Visibility — Expect that whatever you say or do in a social media application may be seen by anyone and everyone. This includes employers, prospective employers, customers, spouses, significant others, pastors, family, etc.
3. Do Not Self Promote — Don’t make your communications an infomercial for your company or products. This is one of the biggest mistakes made by many users.. instead be helpful to people and request their help, when needed. Build relationships… the business opportunities and recognition will follow!
4. Make It Personal — Show fellow users tidbits of who you are through your communications and actions. People are drawn to other interesting people …. it makes them feel real and it opens the door to finding commonality!

I do not have all the “right answers” as to what constitutes the proper way to engage social media but hopefully this article has been helpful to you in making decisions on how to integrate it into your life.

Have a wonderful day and happy networking!!

As an account manager, my number one priority is to be my customers’ (both internally and externally) trusted adviser. The foundation of any business relationship is strong communication. Therefore you should share relevant information with customers to consider in addressing their business challenges. This consultative behavior demonstrates value and builds their confidence in you quickly.

Social Media is a wonderful resource for business people to locate nuggets of information relevant to their job as well as build new relationships. Here are just a few samples of ways to leverage this tool:

1. Facebook (www.facebook.com) – By befriending someone, such as a new customer, you can access their Facebook profile potentially learning a great deal about them. (their birthday, hometown, relationship status, education, hobbies & interests, etc.) In Facebook everyone has a “wall” a place where they display their interactions with other Facebook friends. There you can pick up other tidbits about an individual. Facebook is also famous for its photo sharing capability which can be very insightful.
2. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) – has a distinct business feel to it and there is wonderful information here about a person’s business accomplishments and interests. LinkedIn has a unique feature, much like amazon.com, where you can review recommendations other business colleagues have made of an individual. You can learn much about a person’s business style.
3. Twitter (www.twitter.com) — tagged as a Microblog site, Twitter is an amazing place to build a network of like minded individuals to exchange information and web links in “tweets”. (140 characters at a time) For example if I type the words “hotel cancellations” in the search window every tweet posted with those two words will come up in an answer window. You can then scan through those microblogs to find the information you seek.

The business world is becoming increasingly competitive, especially in the current economic environment. It is incumbent upon us as business professionals to find ways to distinguish ourselves in the business community.

Do you want to be perceived by your customers and business colleagues as a proactive thinker? Then start investigating the value of social media… it is the future of business communications!

The past couple of months I learned the value of social media applications such as Facebook (www.facebook.com) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). It has been an enlightening journey, but folks, quite simply, I have much to learn! My latest quest is to investigate an application called “Twitter.” (www.twitter.com)

Briefly, Twitter is a “micro blog” service for people to communicate with one another, staying connected through the exchange of quick, frequent messages. People write short updates, called “tweets” of 140 characters or fewer. These messages are posted to the user profile also known as the personal blog, sent to a user’s followers and are searchable on Twitter search.

The first time I logged onto Twitter the sensation was akin to being in a classroom learning a foreign language! The communications appeared somewhat cryptic and confusing to say the least. With some persistence I quickly discovered Twitter really is a special application with tremendous potential. Undoubtedly, I am a “Twookie” (a twitter term for a Twitter Rookie) but here is a high level overview of my findings so far:

• Using search features, a user can literally find valuable information on any topic and select individual tweets to save as bookmarks called “Favorites.” Bookmarks may be retrieved on demand and forwarded to other users or other social media applications. (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Tweets can re be “re-tweeted” (called an RT) to followers in the user’s online community. Those followers can then share that same message with their followers. So a single tweet can reach thousands of people literally within seconds.
• In a tweet a user can include hyperlinks to any site on the Internet, such as articles of interest, Photographs, music or videos.
• There are Twitter chat rooms, accessible through a related application called Tweetchat (www.tweetchat.com) identified by “Hash Tags” (#). Users may have real time interactions, or chat sessions, with people having similar interests. For example, I attend a scheduled chat session twice a week with a group called “#eventprofs” (Event Professionals)
• A Twitter application is available for cell phones and other PDA’s that will enable a user to “tweet on the fly.” This feature has some extremely powerful benefits! Imagine sitting in a Keynote Session at a large conference with thousands of people. Attendees tweet their questions and comments directly to the speaker using their cell phone. Those same tweets are posted on a screen(s) at the front of the room in real time. Twitter is already being used in this manner!

This article only scratches the surface of Twitter’s capabilities, but one thing is certain, this technology is here to stay and will only evolve further. I am excited about what lies ahead. I hope to see you out there in Twitterland!!!!

Contact Me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MikeMcCurry