Twitter

It is starting to happen, you see it creeping up all over the place - Twitter... The latest buzz word for communications. Just this morning a major morning show mentioned how Twitter is a new up and coming tool. So what has started this new craze of information on Twitter and how did it end up on my morning show? People tweeting (a short micro-blog message, much like a text message, that goes out to your entire follower -subscriber- list) things they really shouldn't be tweeting. Insulting a town where one of your biggest client is, tweeting a jury verdict before the court's doors are opened and others are just some of the famous cases being talked about right now.

Like all other forms of social media, Twitter really has been around for a while, fixing itself here and there (those of use who have been on it for a while remember the cute messages that Twitter is tired because too many people were signed on at once). It seems that medias are being picked up by a larger audience faster than in the past, but there is still a learning curve. Someone on the news today called that learning curve 'social mors' (GREAT description) or the social morale thinking behind a new technology. Besides the technical aspects of a new social media, there is the unknown morale compass that must be discovered. What is too much? How will this effect other people? Was Aston K right to tweet a picture of Demi Moore's bikini clad butt? [That is another discussion I have seen in the blog scheme]. It will take some time for people to really create a code by which you should Tweet.


In no way am I saying don't start on Twitter.. Twitter is wonderful, people are finding jobs, they are finding new hires, products are being found and shared, individuals are becoming HUGE celebrities and sources for the media, people are more informed more easily than every before. Social Media is a wonderful thing. BUT like I said about Facebook, you want to explore, but be a bit careful.

Are you thinking of venturing into Twitter? Great! Do it! If you are wondering how to get started or what to say, start by following people on Twitter. The common courtesy on Twitter is to follow those who follow you. Start with the NYTIMES, Facebook, CNN, NPR politics, and other publications or news stations you watch and listen to. Find friends on Facebook. Find products you like. Use Twitter to help keep you informed as well as to inform others. A great way to start a network is to search your companies name on Twitter, then follow those people who mentioned you in a Tweet.

Yes, social media can make something small become something big very quickly. Yes, it can be scary, but it can be a strong and powerful tool - for sales, for your communication team, for crisis communications, for customer service, for really just about everything in your company.

If you have any questions or would like some help getting started, my team and I are happy to help.

Facebook.... does it still sound a bit scary to you?

Even for those of us who have been on Facebook for a while, there is aLOT to learn. Look at the growing number of applications- quizzes, stickers, videos, SuperPokes, etc. Really, it is a beautiful micro-case of Social Media ( for many Facebook is making the introduce to the world of social media).

In March, Facebook has announced a change to the latest News Feed page (the first page you see upon entering Facebook), to sorting methods and the introduction of Public Profile Pages. In a one hour (and 5 minutes) media event and Q&A, the founders and creative minds at Facebook revealed the big 2009 plan and changes -some of which I just mentioned.

For businesses, the biggest change is the introduction of Public Profile Pages in place of the old Fan Page set up -- President Obama, CNN and others have already launched this new profile style. This allows the company, individual, etc to have a profile on Facebook, to set privacy settings and to reach more people. This will allow companies to, not connect personally to over 5,000 people, but to allow over 5,000 people to connect to them' (Facebook Video). Over 5,000 people will be able to receive notifications, information and postings on their new feed and highlights, allowing more people to stay informed with (really) less work on the business side.

Original Profile Pages (like mine) are capped at 5,000 friends which lead to the development of the Fan Pages which allowed fans of a company to read updates, be updated via Messages or the Message Board, meet other fans, enter contests, etc on the Fan Page.

What is this going to mean for companies?

It's going to depend on how you use Facebook. One of the important things about Social Media is that people really put themselves out there. In putting themselves out there, people may feel more violated if they are being spammed. If you are interested in how Facebook can be helpful to you and your company (or just how to use Facebook), my team and I are happy to help.

Remember, Social Media is a wonderful, powerful (and fun) tool. It can connect you and promote you, but when misused, it can be dangerous. At True North we will work with you to help you better understand what you are trying to do and what opportunities are available to you.