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Social Media Training

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Fundamentals

Conversation, Not Selling

Social Media is a communication revolution that thrives via Social Networks. Information that is transmitted among friends and acquaintances via Social Media channels is done so through conversations, much like a conversation that one would have face to face.

Brands and Businesses have a valuable opportunity to join these online conversations, but must be very careful not to overstep their position. Just like no one wants to talk to that friend who over-promotes their semi-talented band, people don't want to feel like they're being pitched to on social media sites. If brands and businesses overstep their boundaries they run the risk of being removed from the conversation, or the even bigger risk of having poor feedback broadcasted to the community at large.

It's best to play it safe in the beginning and engage passively by listening. Let me repeat that because it's the most important part of any conversation, online or offline - listento what your audience is talking about and what they're saying about your brand before joining in the conversation. You will gain valuable information about your industry and about how people feel about your brand. Armed with this information you'll be able to participate by posting similar content to what your audience posts. Ideally, you will give them access to key information related to your industry before they get it elsewhere.

Relationships, Not Transactions

We're still looking for useful training content under this heading. Feel free to edit the page and add your thoughts!

Listen, Learn, Participate

We're still looking for useful training content under this heading. Feel free to edit the page and add your thoughts!

I have several modules on this - part of a blogging workshops
Listening 101 -Step by Step
Reading and Commenting on Blogs

Social media is not a strategy. It's part and parcel of an approach to corporate communications and public relations.