Tuesday, September 29, 2009

What to do about Social Media

What is Social Media? Is it a fad, and what does a Community Manager do?
I have been asked these questions for a few years and there are many self claiming experts offering their opinions out there.
Social Media is a change. A change in power. A change in communication style. A change in sales and marketing. Some say that social media is a fad, that it is not scalable. What do you think of this? Social Media is about an exchange of information, engaging and interacting with your customers, and they becoming your sales force.
Not only is the message different with social media, but the delivery vehicle as well. We all love the newspaper on Sunday, but it (and the evening news), is no longer the source. PR is a great communication tool, but it is not Social Media because it is one way communication - welcome the blog. There are some out there that believe email and RSS are old hat. Why search for my information when it will find me? Do you have doubts?
So how does your new empire get built and scaled? Who ensures communication lines are open? The Community Manager. The Community Manager works in conjunction with your Marketing and Sales teams; maintains the company message while keeping the company real.
Remember that Social Media is a tool (and new way of thinking), not a magic bullet.

Cheers,
Toby

Monday, September 28, 2009

Setting Sail

Greetings all.
This will be a space where I will include my thoughts of the day, recipes, and other general wisdom.
As things get rolling, please leave your comments and topic suggestions (I can't do it alone).

Fall is certainly here in New England and it could be my favorite season.
Leaves turn, hockey begins, the meals get hardier, and we break out the brown liquors. Summer cuisine is wonderful, but everyone seems to linger at the dinner table as the evening air turns cold.
Time for roasted root vegetables, risotto, grilled whole tenderloin, double cut chops, and (Famous) White Bean Stew.
Go to the cellar and find that Zin you have been saving; may I suggest Hook&Ladder? Cut up some crusty bread and unwrap the Humboldt Fog. Welcome friends to sit by the fire while all the dinner flavors come together. Pour another glass and sit, say Grace (or not) and enjoy the food as well as the conversation. Remember the old times and laugh.
Take that fresh apple pie out of the oven and don't forget the sharp cheddar or vanilla ice cream. Scotch anyone? Port?
Thank you for sharing our table...

Cheers,
Toby