Monday, October 20, 2008

Social Networking - Use it or lose it

I have to admit, I am one of the many that can not go a day without checking my Facebook.  Right after I check my e-mail, my cursor goes up and types www.facebook.com.  It is a dirty habit that I can not stop.  I will say "I am a Facebook abuser!"  

Now that I got that off my chest, social networks are popping up all over the place.  Not only Facebook and MySpace, but more specific social networking sites such as PeopleAggregator or Ning in which you can build a community with others with the same interest.  These can be great tools for the PR practitioner to use.

Everyone knows about Facebook and MySpace, but the article received in class by eMarketer explains that one cite, Ning, has nearly 500,000 social networks with 80,000 new ones popping up each month.  This could be a great tool for PR practitioners to use to go directly to their public because your customers are already filtered for you.

Even though great networking cites are now abundant PR practitioners must use them to their advantage.  One thing they must do is build relationship with their public by directly communicating to them.  They must respond, respond and respond.  If someone tries to communicate directly to your organization through a social media you need to respond to their question to make sure you build that community with them.  Yes, this will take time, but in the long run building a relationship with your customer through a social media is too beneficial to pass up.

5 comments:

maggie said...

I'm glad that you freely admit your status as a facebook abuser too!

Natalie said...

I like how you said "respond, respond, repsond." This is so true. We must maintain these once we est. them. Good advice!

AbLoG4U said...

I think the aspect of the PR person responding is a very important aspect of using social networks. PR people must show they are engaged immediately to gain and keep attention through social networks. It is important that users get bored easily, so constant updating is needed to keep them coming back.

Akwesi Antwi said...

Now I know I'm not alone in this habit!

Akwesi Antwi said...

It's amazing how social media has caught up with everybody.It's exciting and amazing. I am so much into it now, thanks to this class.