Echelon Media

Brian Talks Social Media with The Newspaper Industry – Part II

Brian — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:42:59 +0000

In this segment Brian talks about the evolution of the newspaper industry and how the arrival of social media has changed the way information is shared and why the internet should be an integral part of how newspapers conduct business from here on out.

The LIKE button

Brian — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:41:54 +0000

Do you get how serious the “Like” button is on Facebook? It is a really BIG deal. Never before have our consumers had this ability to share what they like and use. When you buy a bottle of Listerine at the store does anyone know? When you check out a product or service online does anyone know? If they are using social media they do!

Seriously, the whole idea of a “like” button sounds cheesy. I get it. But the power that the “like” button possesses is HUGE. It is something that builds on itself. The more it gets clicked the more you benefit. Simply saying that people should click your “like” button is one thing…getting them to click it is an entirely different thing.

So how do you get people to click that elusive “like” button. Well, it is pretty simple. Conveying true and honest content of what is going on around you is the key. Drop the whole idea that you can tell people about that 10% savings. Start telling them about you. Social media is reality. It isn’t the old and ineffective tools of placed advertising in print or banner ads on websites. If you are trying to get people to hit the button you have to prove to them that you are real.

Facebook is about people. Facebook is about connectivity and communications. If someone clicks that “like” button for you…you better take notice. Start having a conversation. Reply to your comments, let people know that you care. Seriously, you need to take the scientific probabilities and chuck them out the window. Being on Facebook is one thing. Being a part of Facebook is a completely different one.

SMS – How do you get started blogging?

Josh — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:57:10 +0000

In this clip Josh tells us some basics as to how to get started blogging. Choosing a platform, content and frequency are key. But getting comfortable is really where you need to be. Check it out. We’d love to take some questions and elaborate on this topic more.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTc8alez2L4

Brian Talks Social Media with The Newspaper Industry – Part I

Brian — Wed, 26 May 2010 03:20:15 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to share some tips and ideas at the North Dakota Newspaper Association’s annual conference in Fargo, ND. While the message presented was geared specifically towards the newspaper industry and how they could leverage social media to extend their reach the overall message applies to any company or brand that is getting started.

In this segment I’m talking about mindset. Both the mindset of our audiences and the mindset one should have when trying to leverage social media for their business. This is the introduction to several clips from this presentation that we’ll be posting over the coming weeks. I’d love to take some comments and start a conversation!

Facebook Pages – You know you need one, but how?

Brian — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:39:44 +0000

Facebook Pages vs. Profiles

I thought today I would address probably one of the most common questions I receive when I am out speaking. During my talks I of course, like a good social media consultant mention Facebook Pages as being an integral part of a good social media strategy. It is pretty clear that most understand the need to get into the whole Facebook game and most seem pretty willing to dive right in. But, I am usually asked a relatively simple question: How do I get a page for my business on Facebook?

To some of you this may seem like a no-brainer, but seriously some need a good explanation to get started on the right foot.

Perhaps it is best that we break down the difference between pages, profiles and groups first. So here is the deal:

Profiles:

Real people
Real Names
You, the human being.

Groups:

Clubs
Activists
Community organizations

Pages:

Businesses
Products
Brands

The keyword for most businesses is “page.” Don’t do what so many have done. Go to Facebook and create a profile with a fake first name and fake last name. Like say, first name “Mikes” with a last name “Plumbing.” If you are feeling the need to fib on some of the details in the form that is the first sign that you are not doing it right. Facebook makes things pretty easy, so don’t fight the system!

If you want a page for your business or brand on Facebook you need to have a personal profile on Facebook.

If you already have a personal account on Facebook you are in good shape to begin. If not, go start a legitimate profile…with your real name. If you decide to fib your way into Facebook you will pay the price. A great example is a local fair in my area who started a profile page on Facebook. They fibbed their name, built up hundreds of friends and then one day their account was gone. Poof. GONE. All that work for nothing because Facebook one day realized that “XYZ Fair” wasn’t a real person. Back to square one. In some cases that is enough to cause people to give up altogether on social media. That’s bad.

If you have already made the mistake of starting a business page as a profile there are things you can do to mitigate the damage but the clock is ticking so get moving. Start a legitimate page on Facebook by following the information below and start telling your friends on your current account about it and get them to migrate over. Use the share button on the newly created page and post it to your old (and soon to be detected and deleted) space. Encourage people to join you on the new page. Be honest too. Just tell them that you created this cool new page and value their support and hope that they will join you. In no time you will have all that you have gained illegitimately in your new legitimate Facebook page.

So we have that straight, now with your personal account established all you have to do is hit up this page on Facebook. Now I know a lot of us won’t be at our same jobs forever but don’t freak out. One great aspects of pages is that you can assign numerous administrators. You can add people to help build the page. So just because you start the page under your personal account doesn’t mean that for the rest of eternity that you are the only one that can manage the page. So no worries!

I might as well toss in this other tip to those of you who are new to Facebook Pages. #1 Goal: Get 100 people to like your page. Once you do you can secure yourself a nifty vanity url. Get to 100 and then visit this link to get yourself a slick address like http://facebook.com/echelonmedia instead of http://www.facebook.com/235234223423/echelon/2547656231r3252/media234234. The vanity url will let you market your page to the masses. Easy to remember, easy to find.

So go out and get that page started and start having a conversation. No matter how simple this post may seem I hope that it is helpful to those who wonder, “how do I get a page for my business on Facebook?”

[SMS] Should You Block Social Media At Work?

Josh — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:02:56 +0000

Workplaces have been blocking “unproductive” websites for a long time now. With the increasing popularity of social media companies are being to create social media policies. We firmly believe these policies do more harm than good. Watch the video to find out more.

A huge number of people that use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter now are accessing these communities via web enabled phones (smart phones). Companies are going to find it increasingly harder to blocking these websites from employees. Blocking these site only creates a web of distrust and fear among employees.

Instead companies should make a one page policy stating that employees are there to work, social media is tolerated but lack luster work wont be. If one employee finds themselves sitting on Facebook the entire day then address that employee, if social media becomes a problem handle it then.

Ultimately, these employees could be helping to spread your company’s brand and favor in the market place. Millions of people use social media on a daily basis and those same people are your customers. Allowing employees to interact with others online is a major plus for your brand. Plus, the saving your company benefits from by not have to purchase policing software and additional IT personnel adds up really quickly.

How does your company handle Social Media in the workplace? Do you disagree with our approach? If, so why?

Find more Social Media Short videos here.

If you would like to ask our crew a social media question drop us an email at sms@echelonmedia.com or drop us a comment on the Echelon Media Facebook Fan Page.

[SMS] What is the value of a follower on social media?

Josh — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:45:36 +0000

So many people get hung up on numbers including the value of 1 follower over social media. Watch the video below for our take on the value of each follower.

Find more Social Media Short videos here.

If you would like to ask our crew a social media question drop us an email at sms@echelonmedia.com or drop us a comment on the Echelon Media Facebook Fan Page.

Echelon contributes in “Think b4 u post” article in The Village Family Magazine

Josh — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:01:03 +0000

We were asked to contribute for an article in The Village Family Magazine about the pros and cons of Social Media.

With Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites having an increasing presence in our day to day lives there are some dangers with this public display of information. The articles talks about different ways to think before you post along with different ways to leverage social media in your favor.

The biggest point to take away from “Think b4 u post,” is just that. Realize that everything you do online can and will be public at some point in time.

I hope you enjoy and again we appreciate your feedback.

You can Download the article here

[SMS] How often should you post to your blog?

[SMS] How often should you post to your blog?

Brian — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:05:08 +0000

We all know that blogs encourage people to be social, but how often should you post to your blog?

For your niche how often do you post to your blog?

Find more Social Media Short videos here.

If you would like to ask our crew a social media question drop us an email at sms@echelonmedia.com or drop us a comment on the Echelon Media Facebook Fan Page.

On the Panel at North Dakota Professional Communicators Conference

Josh — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:23:18 +0000

I had the honor of being asked to speak on a panel at the North Dakota Professional Communicators Conference this past Saturday. I hope to be invited back for the next go-a-round and felt there was a ton of great questions and information exchanged.

The biggest take I got from the questions being asked are very similar to the type of questions we are answering in our Social Media Short series. I had a great time and enjoyed the interaction a ton.

Here was the lineup:

Bob Bertsch, Web technology specialist, NDSU
Fred Hudson, communications manager, Ulteig Engineers
Josh Whitford, blogger & Internet marketer

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