Category Archives: Social Networks

How Much is Too Much?

Posted on by jesskry
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Recently, I began a Social Media Street team at our University. The theory behind this being: a) who knows the university and experiences it like students?, b) who better to attend events to ‘cover’ them from a student perspective?, c) why not create a work-study job that actually caters to creativity and involvement on campus?

I found a variety of students to create content that showcases their experience: at Suffolk, in classes, as part of student involvement and in Boston. Students are to create something with photography, a blog, video or whatever else they can come up with. This will be fed into our social media networks and possibly, the university website.

As I chose students, I began to wonder, how much content is too much? Will we have too much? I’ve seen blogs become overkill on other sites and feared that happening with ours.

As we continue to try to manage student created content, how do we determine how much is too much and how much is the right balance? How have you managed student created content?

Tanking at Tweetups?

Posted on by jesskry
4

Like you, I try to attend as many Tweetups as possible. They’re great for networking, nice for adding to your resume, and helpful in staying up on the latest happenings and technology. Luckily, being in Boston, there are several per day/week/month to choose from. But what I’ve noticed lately, is that I may not be cut out for professional Tweetup starlet: the more I go, the more I wonder if my networking skills are truly this bad.

When attending several Tweetups in Boston, you’ll find the same groups attending en masse. Maybe its the healthcare crowd. You always have at least 3 Twitteratti in the room. Higher Ed usually represents. But are we making it better or worse for ourselves by coming in cliches? Is it just about our own ability to branch out and mingle?

I’ve attended 2 high-profile Tweetups in the past month. Both of which, I’m sad to say I left early. I’m not great at the mix and mingle part, but do love being in on the conversations. I’ve found, for me, structured gatherings work best. Whether around a common theme, conference or short agenda, I’ve felt more at home and had an easier time connecting and talking with people. When left to just a large gathering of those who heard about the event, I find myself stammering, feeling awkward and needing an excuse to leave ASAP.

I’m trying to push my boundaries, rely less on my higher ed Tweetup going brethren, and flex those networking muscles. What are your tips for successfully navigating a Tweetup? How has your Tweetup experience been? Do you have tips on mingling to share? What are your faves?

Help: How Do I Tweet? A Top Five

Posted on by jesskry
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I’ve had more than one friend ask me to help them to Tweet something in short notice. Its hard not to come off Twitter elitist, but really, jumping into tweeting is something one should not take lightly.  Here’s my top five ways to begin to learn the obsession that is Twitter.

1. Find a yoda: If you’re even considering it, you must know someone who does it. Ask them for help. Most Tweeps that I know will be more than happy to sit with you and walk you patiently through what, to them, is second nature. As them why they use Twitter and get concrete examples. I’m sure they’ll tell you that they use it not only to blurt and to do research, but that they meet several people and build lasting personal and professional relationships. And who doesn’t love that?

2. Learn the vernacular: Not sure how to add to someone’s ‘Twitter page’? Curious how you ‘become a fan’ of someone? You def need to have a hand holding so that, when you try to do this professionally, you dont automatically alienate those that you are trying to engage. To step into their world without learning the language is just as offensive as traveling abroad with nothing but your American English. Dont be ‘that guy’.

3. RTs, @replies, DMs and Hashs: Learn fully what each entails, not only how to do it, but the courtesy behind each. You dont want to DM someone you just found via search, because, you cant unless they’ve added you. If you only post without @replying you arent a part of the community, you’re spam. Figure out how the community interacts and remember it – take notes.

4. Twitter Search & Recommendations: Ask your yoda for who they follow. Even if you arent in the same industry or have the same likes, have them give you 3 generic people to follow and 2 topical. Have them show you Twitter Search and how to use it to follow people. Maybe ask for one of their lists to also watch without cluttering your main feed.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice. Personally: Dont expect to jump right into Twitter for professional reasons, either for work or for building your career right away. Give yourself time to play and learn and build a base. Add Twitter to your mobile phone to really understand the interactivity of it all.

Special thanks to MF for her questions and ability to understand that I’m not a Twitter Diva – but that I just want her to do it right and benefit. Much love for the inspiration for the post. :)