Social Media Strategy for Chamber
As we now enter the social media arena and we want to start making our mark in this new medium, it is imperative that we start out by listening to conversations that are going on about the Chamber or any in any other areas in which the Chamber may have an interest.. This will give us an understanding of what people are thinking about the Chamber and an opportunity to identify any trends within the market that could affect us now or in the future.
We need to identify a few key people (5 +) within the chamber that can devote about 30 - 45 minutes a day, to listen in on twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
1) Their initial role will be to identify conversations relating to the Chamber and to then contribute valuable content to these conversations.
2) A half day training session is necessary to bring these people up to speed on what is required from them.
3) A brainstorming session must be arranged to identify keywords and areas of focus for these searches.
4) They must use twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to search for conversations where these keywords that have been identified are occurring.
5) Once they have located interesting relevant conversations that they feel are aligned with the Chambers strategy. They will leave the Chambers virtual handshake by leaving pertinent comments, offering feedback and delivering value.
6) The key people identified above, must use their time on Social media, effectively to contribute to the conversations and attract new members, add value to existing members and extend the reach of the Chamber into the social media arena.
The secret to make a success out of the Chambers social media strategy is to ensure that we create good content and then to locate all the possible places that would enjoy this content. The key people that are identified must invest as much time as possible in these forums, identifying the right conversations, contributing ideas and commenting on as many articles as possible in these forums. Over time the Chamber, will become an integral part of these communities and valuable contributor of meaningful value.
Social media is not instant or an event, it is a process. Becoming successful with any social media strategy is about commitment and patience. Understand that the work only starts after we have posted the feedback, comment or valuable content, or written a blog. Our goal must be to promote the Chamber on all the forums that can get and give value to the Chamber. This is achieved by listening, searching and identifying all the right forums and connecting with the right people on the right forums. This takes effort and commitment. Do not think that succeeding in social media is just posting great content. It is about listening, contributing and becoming an integral part of the conversation.
There is a real time commitment for the Chamber to become successful with our social media strategy. The secret to succeeding with this strategy is all about consistency and ensuring that we are contributing the right content that is meaningful and of value in the right forums, to the right people. We are in effect in a leadership role and as we expand and build a significant following via our various social media outlets, we are taking on great responsibility and must meet our commitment to provide quality content and to always operate with the highest level of integrity.
Becoming successful in the social media arena is not about simply stepping into the conversation and then just fading away. It must become an integral part of our marketing and daily communication strategy. Social media is about participation and contribution; it is not about taking and offering nothing in return.
As we are contributing to the conversation, it is our responsibility to always be authentic and allow our passion and good intent to shine through at all times. The level of authenticity, commitment we offer on a regular basis and to always provide value and consistency are three of the key factors required, for us to become and remain successful with any social media strategy. As we continue to provide and consistently offer authentic and meaningful content, people will soon realize that they can trust what we have to offer and that our content is of real value.
We must accept that becoming successful in the social media arena, requires a different approach to some other traditional forms of media. There is a huge element of trust that rests with all the individuals that are contributors to our overall strategy. Social media is not a one man or woman strategy, it requires input from a number of people within the Chamber, every single day. The larger the number of people that can contribute to our social media strategy, the greater and more effective will be our reach.
Social media is an incredible tool for building connection and relationships with the right people in the right places. Social media is an amazing additional tool that we can use to expand our message in our markets and to communicate with new and existing members of the Chamber. It should always be used in conjunction with all the other strategies that the Chamber is currently employing to market itself and to communicate with members and prospective members.
The time for the Chamber to enter the social media arena is now. Our social media strategy will take time to develop and implement. We cannot wait much longer to enter this arena and to begin using all the amazing opportunities this new medium offers the Chamber.
Author: Andrew Horton Best Business Inspirational Speakers
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