StoryTeller Media & Communications
StoryTeller is a public relations agency specializing in media relations, social media and video production and web video
Archive for February, 2010
What is your video strategy?
I had the opportunity recently to sit down with a privately held Global company to help them become more familiar with YouTube and online video. Currently, they have put their big toe into the social media waters to find out rather quickly that they have 10’s of thousands of supporters that are looking for engagement, but they do not have anything that resembles a video strategy.
Now, I am uncertain that after our allotted hour-long discussion that they actually “got it”, but I know that I walked away more convinced than ever that video is a must have in your social strategy. Why? There is no better way to align yourself today with some of the core principles of social media that will engage, educate and entertain better than video.
Are You Afraid of Social Media?
Fear is powerful. Think of all the things you do, or don’t do because of fear. It’s certainly a factor for a lot of people who remain on the social media sideline and in some cases I can’t blame them. For example, any business that isn’t doing a great job and knows it, any company that isn’t taking care of their people or customers or any company that generates income by taking advantage of people should be afraid. If I were any of those people or businesses, I would really be fearful of social media because it can ruin me much faster than I would otherwise ruin myself.
That said, if you’re a business that strives to help people, to do the right thing for its employees and customers or if you’re someone who fixes problems as they come up rather than let them fester and turn into issues you probably have quite a bit less to fear in social media.
We all make mistakes and as business owners, we know that our people will also make mistakes. Hopefully they’re not mistakes that kill your business. But if they’re accidental errors, oversights or mishaps that can be addressed and fixed, don’t you don’t you want to know they are going on? After all, whether you’re active in social media or not, if you screw up, people who are in social media can still chew you up and spit you out. It’s just that you’ll never know it’s happening, until they stop coming into your business or calling to place more orders.
When I was kid, I used to be afraid that some day I would end up in jail. Then I realized, I can only go to jail if I do something really bad. I realized that I actually have control over the outcome. So too, do you have a say about your reputation both in the business community and the social media business community. Take care of your reputation and remove some of the fear in your life.
Aperitif Restaurant & Bar Opens in Woodbury
We recently began working with Aperitif Restaurant and Bar in Woodbury, MN handling their public relations. Good news, Woodbury residents and business community - you win. Aperitif is going to be a tremendous addition to your community. Okay, we’re bias, so check it out yourself and see.
Use Television News Principles in Producing Online Video
As we do more and more work for our clients in online video as part of a social media public relations platform we find ourselves relying on some old skills - telling great stories in a short time period. See, when you work in television news you become a smidge knowledgeable about a wide array of topics. As ungratifying as that may seem to some, it has it’s advantages.
The Three A’s of Listening
If there was one key reminder that I took away yesterday from hearing Chris Brogan address the Social Media Breakfast MN/St.Paul group it was the importance of listening as a key pillar of all of our social media marketing efforts. He went on to say that it is through this one action that businesses have been able to see the biggest positive effect of this movement. Members of the retail community (Best Buy and Select Comfort) echoed Brogan’s sentiments. Revolutionary? No, but a good reminder nonetheless.
I think what they are actually trying to say is that this listening has become a lost art and companies like General Motors are finally asking consumers what they think and but unfortunately it may be too late for them to respond.
Listening has been described as “ hearing with a purpose”. Good listening is built on three basic skills: attitude, attention, and adjustment. If you acknowledge these three A’s, you can tune into any situation and know what to do next. It is only with an open ear that we can create change.
Finding Jobs in Social Media Has Its Dangers
As an employer, the ability to search social media for prospective employees is mind boggling. In the past, you would post jobs in classifieds, use head hunters, university job placement, etc. Even Craigslist seems outdated compared to what you can do today. Hit your favorite social media sites, search for the profile of the you’re interested in and go nuts.
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