Using Social Media for Business

Steve ButtryKirkwood Community College

Sept. 1-3

The key is to do it consistently and consistently well.

I try not to be too repetitive, and to evenly pace my posts throughout the day if I have multiple tweets.

Twitter allows regular customers to see specials for more repeat business.

Everything is much faster on Twitter. Timeliness was never more important – even posting something half an hour late is sometimes too late.

One thing we have started using Twitter for lately is posting our fliers via Twitpic. This is great and people seem to retweet them a lot

I have found some good information on Twitter. The tweets that contain links to blogs or articles relevant to the topic are very helpful.

“A tweet I posted about the new mural on the Iowa City store was viewed by KCRG news, so they came down and did a story about it. Success!” – Stephanie Catlett

We are currently using Twitter to advertise new job opportunities, updates on my video blog, current events, etc.

“We’ve promoted events/activities in which people can get involved. We’ve also recognized people for their efforts (e.g., volunteers).” – Becky Soglin

As a business, I use Chirpcity, to find people that live in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City to follow … and hope they follow me back.

Twitter is not a sales tool, nor is it best utilized for overt marketing. It is a conversation. It is giving value.

Twitter for business purposes is like an after-hours mixer or business cocktail party.

More advice coming tomorrow from other connections on LinkedIn, Facebook, general social media use.

“Look at social media as a part of your overall communications strategy versus a new toy.” – Anne Wiskerchen

Start with the end result in mind. That means considering what you want out of social media and how you want to be perceived.

People helping, caring, advising, sharing and expecting nothing in return is what social media is about.

It is not the quantity of followers on Twitter, Friends on Facebook or connections on LinkedIn that is important, it is the QUALITY.

Whether personal or business, each chat/update/post needs value or you will get ignored/unfollowed/unfriended.

Each site fills a niche: Facebook = friends & family, LinkedIn = professional contacts, & Twitter = all of the above + new/unknown people.