Category

Social Media

Sep 16
Love0

Marketing and Social Media: Not at all about Self-Promotion

By Marketing, Social Media

I think it’s a common misconception: companies eschew marketing themselves because they disdain self-promotion. I’ve definitely been in meetings where clients have shied away from what they thought would be “tooting their own horn.”

That’s not at all what marketing or social media engagement should be. NOT AT ALL.

Instead, teach us something. Opine. Shed light. Tell the backstory. Illustrate a point. Give us your take on a national or international brand. Let us get to know you and what you like to do.

Be authentic. Share a lesson learned. Sing a song. Make us laugh.

But really, there’s no need for self-promotion in marketing.

Aug 05
Love0

Minding the Boundaries of Social Networking

By Communications, Social Media

It happened again. In a small town, it’s really not that difficult to network, and network appropriately. Heck, in a large town it’s not that difficult. So much depends on showing up, introducing yourself, and not being a creep.

Sometimes people get overly excited. Sometimes they stray into aggressiveness. Often, this is accompanied by a big leap over a boundary. Let’s review the basics:

  1. Dating sites are for dating. Dates are for getting to know one another for a romantic purpose. Dates are not for business connections, marketing help, free business advice, etc.
  2. LinkedIn, and other business social networks and groups are for business networking. Don’t flirt with people on LinkedIn.
  3. Facebook is for friends and could be for business or dating, depending on how you roll. But it’s NOT for strangers. Don’t confuse being a stranger with being someone’s friend. Don’t confuse a friend of a friend with anything other than a stranger, unless you have some other frame of reference for them. Not all people are good people.

Another creepy incidence I’ve encountered, and forgive me, I’m not being sexist but I’ve truly only had men do this: guys complaining about their wives or girlfriends in a business setting.

HEY GUYS: don’t do this. Not only does it make you look bad, but it appears that you’re fishing for some kind of attention from the females in the room. Because you are. Stop it.

 

Jun 26
Love0

What’s the Most Valuable Social Media Tool We Should Be Using?

By Social Media

This is a common workshop topic, and one of the questions I get asked pretty early on in any client engagement.

What should we be doing in social media? 

Should we have Instagram?

Should we be using Pinterest?

How about Vine?

Have you heard of Swayy (or insert other new social tool here)?

My first answer to this is DO NOT TRY TO DO EVERYTHING. There. I said it. The next answer is that it depends on two things: the kind of business you’re in, and the capacity you or your team have to keep up with using multiple tools.

Before you consider adopting multiple tools, platforms, apps, etc. answer this:

Do you have a blog? 

It’s still the first tool to master. It’s still the core of your social strategy. It’s still the ONE THING you must get done for search engine optimization, to establish your company as authentic and thoughtful. It’s still the place where you will prove that your team includes thought leaders in your industry. It’s still where you can tell the story of how your company does what you do better/differently/faster/with more credibility than others out there. Before you start using a Facebook page, tweeting, Instagramming, etc., make sure you’re publishing a valuable blog.

Jun 10
Love0

Five Reasons to Go to a Social Media Workshop from Jaggers Communications this Week

By Social Media

Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12 I’ll be offering social media workshops at a great location on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. There are a few seats left for each session, and you can reserve yours now by calling 434-260-7144. Here’s why YOU should sign up:

  1. It’s a way to get out of the office for a morning or two
  2. It’s a way to spend some time in the delightful downtown event venue Old Metropolitan Hall (you know you’ve been wanting to check it out)
  3. You will learn more about how to use social media for your business, your job, and your personal interests than you would ever have believed possible in just half a day
  4. You will meet other, interesting Charlottesville people for possible friendship and business partnership opportunities (and who knows? Maybe more!)
  5. Free lunch, free coffee, and free air conditioning

Follow the jump for more information, or just call 434 -260- 7144 right now and sign up.

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Jun 09
Love0

Kickstarting a Local Radio Show

By Social Media

Wendy Edwards is no stranger to radio, with a long career in broadcasting alongside others, co-hosting, co-producing, and performing as on-air talent. Wendy’s going solo, with a radio show that she’s dreamed of hosting for many years. Wendy is the host of Conversations with Wendy, an emotionally intelligent, engaging entertainer and connector of people, Wendy brings to the air a talk show that encourages people to live their best lives. The weekly, hour-long show features real people sharing their stories of overcoming adversity, celebrating unique cultures, living well in our community, and applauding individuality. With your support, Conversations with Wendy will continue helping people be heard, making community connections, and highlighting the stories that matter.

Find out more about Wendy’s Kickstarter to keep the show on the air, and please make a donation today!