Tag Archives: social media

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. :)

Connecting

Posted on by jesskry
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We’ve all been talking about how social media can accelerate the spread of news. But does it spread the rate of action among those who join or support causes? A recent Business Week Article speaks to the effect that social media has had on the relief efforts in Haiti.

To see actual change happen via the web makes my heart swell. Not only have many people donated money, but time as well. In this day and age, to see so many countries come together regardless of affiliation and status shows that we arent as different as we seem.

As a communicator and strategist, this effort speaks to connecting to people on their level. Being able to show visual footage of the aftermath of the quake in Haiti had to have a big impact in the relief that was sped their way. Not only were organizations able to set up quick communication outlets but also a way to process and receive funds.

For civilians who are reaching out YouTube and Twitter were ways to provide access to the torment worldwide. It was not a silent tragedy that we talked about,  yet did not see or feel: you can see and feel the pain visually  in real time.

If nothing else, what we can learn from the communication that brought us closer to our human companions in Haiti is that the web and social media can be used for good – not evil. Their purpose is to bring us all closer on a human level, not to divide, be it through money or belief.

What can you do with that thought? How can you apply social media to connect rather than monetize or sound off?

Why Lady Gaga Matters

Posted on by jesskry
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Everyone has an opinion, but for those who love her the reasons are many: shes different, shes hot, her music is danceable, etc, etc. But when it comes to marketing professionals, the reasons are important lessons we all could learn from.

Viral Visual Marketing. By now we’ve all heard about how Ms. Gaga was one of the top searches via Google for 2009. And why? Because of her outrageous get ups. People want to see what she wore at whatever event just happened. And they want to compare and share, giggle and drool. No matter if its for better or for worse, people were interested. In the entertainment industry, thats currency.

Mix Trusted with Not Yet Tested. Whether its working remixes with Beyonce or Flo Rida or reviving 80′s pop synth beats, Lady knows how to use what works. Instead of staying on the safe side, she mixes the trusted with the strange: outfits made of bubbles, vocal usage along the lines of Marilyn Manson and Lil Wayne. Its this creativity that keeps us interested and entertained.

Ugly Can Be Beautiful. Just because its not like what you and I are used to, that doesnt make it less artful. Shes been criticized for wearing odd outfits and makeup when shes ‘such a pretty girl’, but thats what makes her unique. Gaga does not have to resort to an ass wiggle or a boob pop: but when she does, its for a much different effect. The oddity and juxtapositions are what makes us uncomfortable but are the cornerstones of her schtick.

Do Different Proud, Not Meek. One thing we can all learn is how to do something full out. If you’re going to be different, then, gosh darn it, do it balls to the wall. To do it half assed just takes away from doing it at all. It falls short of its intended purpose. Stand behind your bubble outfit or burning your lover and your bed with your bra that fires sparks. Dont talk about it or the why of it all. Just create. Just do.

How are you doing things differently? Is your creativity bound by something, and if so, why?