Many of you may be reading this because of the proactive social media activity I have undertaken over the last 2 months.
A concerted and co-ordinated strategy using Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter! I’d like to share with you the background and short journey as a personal ‘case study’.
CCS is the acronym for ‘Corporate Connection Strategies’. Over the years we have helped many organisations ‘connect’ with stakeholders at many levels. CEO’s with their employees, Senior Executives with the Board Members, Companies with their customers.
Almost 12 months ago I recognised an increasing trend in the business world .... the advancement and positioning of social media as a serious medium for ‘people connecting’. Connecting products, services and brands with consumers (B2C), connecting suppliers with customers (B2B). Connecting employees within their own companies.
In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the CEO of Coke Muhtar Kent indicated that their social media spend (as part of their total media spend) had increased from 3% to 20% in the last 5 years.
The inter activity landscape is changing fast and furiously. Online communities are becoming resources for information and decision making. Product users and prospective employees are referencing social media to ascertain value or to make comparisons.
Social media is likely to replace email as a standard internal company communication channel (although in the short term email is likely to be around a while). Social Media as a communication channel is already displacing email amongst a growing band of the ‘technology savvy’.
The reality for many digital dinosaurs is that the trends are already established. Those companies that feel they are likely to escape the online social media tidal wave need to rethink their positions.
Harvey Norman is a great case study. 12 months ago they rejected the notion of the need for an online strategy, reluctant to acknowledge changing consumer patterns and what people will buy online. Their online strategy is now in full swing with over 30,000 people ‘liking’ their Facebook page.
So what has CCS learned from the social media journey so far:
- - Establishing a credible online presence means much more these days than simply have a great looking website or writing a blog.
- - Partnering with top skills in the social media space is vital and pays dividends
- Staying ahead of competitors through social media strategies can raise your profile and build credibility
- - Most companies have limited social media strategy skills as an internal resource
- - Building relevant online communities requires tactics and thinking
We have realised that truly connecting with stakeholders requires a real understanding of the online social media space.
To help companies take advantage of this, CCS has invested in a new business entity ‘Social Media Temps’.
Our Head of Strategy (or strategy ‘smoogler’) is Gareth Lloyd . Take a peek at a campaign recently launched for one of our clients on facebook and twitter. A terrific kids Toy Story branded drink selling through Woolies called ‘drink and play’.
If you are interested in exploring your social media strategy or require internal social media resources, please contact Gareth or myself for a no obligation discussion.
This side of Christmas or in the New Year, Social Media Temps would be happy to guide or support you on this essential journey.
Just like the famous line in the Bronson advert ‘I liked the product so much I bought the company’ ....
Similarly, I am experiencing the benefit of a great social media strategy ... I’ve now launched SMT to provide social media services so you can maximise your online connectivity too.
Warm regards
Colin
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