Social Media...are awesome!

What are Social Media?

Social media are media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques.  Social media uses web-based technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogues. A common thread running through all definitions of social media is a blending of technology and social interaction for the co-creation of value. Thanks, Wikipedia.com!

SO MANY SOCIAL MEDIA SITES: WHAT TO USE?

Let influence help you decide...

(The 2007 Map)

But most importantly, think about:

• What are your goals?o Create a dialogue?o Share pictures and videos?o Broadcast news and information?

• What types of information will you be sharing? • Who is your target audience for the account? • Who will serve as the administrator of the

account?o "Ownership" and "Buy-in"

• How often do you plan to update it?

All the wonderful things you might not know you can already do!

Find An Alum

• Stay in contact• Find old friends• Update your info!• Secure

Class Notes

• Immediate!• More space!• Add a picture• Great source for scribes

Class and Club Web Sites

Broadcast Emails

Find the Broadcast Email Request Form at:

• alumnae.mtholyoke.edu/volunteers/res/commres/blast_request.php

A great way to share information!

The most familiar face of allin social media.

Facebook pages vs. Facebook groups

Pages

• Has to be public• Related event creation• STATS!• Personalized URL• Can "update"

members

Groups

• Can be public or private• No related event

creation • No stats • Generic URL• Can email members

In the end... it's just up to you to decide what's best for your crowd!

It's not just for the unemployed!

Why LinkedIn is neat:

• Private groups• Easy to use discussion format• Great option for networking

Learn how to talk in 140 characters or less.

Twitter is great for:

 • News• Updates• Reminders• Fun!

Social media is great for multimedia.

YouTube

Flickr

Tips on Social Media:

•Post/update often•Don't fear overloading•Be attentive•Beg, borrow, and "steal"

o (i.e. help spread the word) •Have fun!!!

How to get started with social media:

• Put some thought into what you need, what you want, and what you are willing to deal with.

• The internet has a plethora of information and instruction.• Don't be afraid to experiment a little before going "live".

 • Email your friendly Data/Web Coordinator if you have any

questions or would like a little help deciding which forms of social media might be best for you!

 Katharine "Kat" Reisbig '05

Data/Web Coordinator kereisbi@mtholyoke.edu