Shiny new thing or old-fashioned networking?

May 9, 2009

1009935_25003389You’re thinking that turning to the latest and hotest social media and online communications tools will increase sales and get your business moving again. Nothing wrong with that idea and lots of people will tell you that’s just the thing to do.

Heck, I’m one of those people. But simply setting up on Facebook or Linkedin or Twitter without a clear purpose in mind and a commitment of your valuable business time to follow through is not going to increase anything — except for your frustration with the folks who sold you on the whole social media idea in the first place.

The purpose and how much of a commitment, of course, are up to you. You know what you want to accomplish for your business or community group. But your purpose for using social media also has to include meeting people, getting to know them and building and keeping relationships with them. It’s business development and no different from attending a chamber of commerce event, or lunching with a customer, or any of the other ways you use to say hello and stay in touch. Read the rest of this entry »

Comments Off on Shiny new thing or old-fashioned networking? | Social Media | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris Celek

When no time is the best time

April 24, 2009

1002525_41466855They had the same problem with this. Most members of the National School Public Relations Association Ohio chapter are one-person shops, the boss and staff rolled into one with more good ideas and good projects than time to get them done. So last month, during a breakout session at their annual conference, suggesting they add social networking to work with news media and their communities was a tough sell.

With nearly 50 school P.R. experts in the room, I could see a lot of doubt on their faces. Some were not shy about sharing how difficult it is to add one more thing to already-long to-do lists.

“How do I fit this in?” was the question of the morning.

Here’s how. Don’t make social media a major campaign. Start small. Read the rest of this entry »

Comments Off on When no time is the best time | Engagement, Networking, News media, Social Media | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris Celek

Why waste time on social media?

April 11, 2009

At a networking breakfast last month, the owner of an engineering firm wanted to know why anyone would use Linkedin, Twitter, blogs or any social media in their business. He couldn’t have been any more blunt.

“Why the hell should I waste time on that?” the owner said.

My answer to him, and you, is just as direct. Don’t.

Read the rest of this entry »

1 Comment | Business, Facebook, Linkedin, Social Media, Twitter | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Chris Celek

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