Monthly Archives: April 2011
Tales of a Social Extrovert – Pros and Cons
For 10-12 hours a day (sometimes more), social media strategists spend our time going meeting to meeting. Then, we work. Then, we rush to another meeting whether it’s for a networking function, a professional organization, or an organization we volunteer for. Then, we get home and we frantically check out Twitter accounts, news alerts and email. I don’t want to count the hours I spent “working,” but I can tell you that the time I don’t spend at the office, in a meeting, at an event or sleeping is getting pretty sparse.
A few weeks ago, my colleague did a post on “Confessions of a Social Media Introvert,” and he challenged me to do one on being a social media extrovert and what I get out of it. The truth? I’m an introvert who likes extrovert activities. I like being social. I like volunteering. I like challenging myself and I like being part of a team. But mostly, I like feeling like I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. Sometimes work gives me that. Sometimes it doesn’t.
There’s probably a lot of you like me out there (I hope). The folks who raise their hands for everything and have an addiction to the word, “yes.” Maybe we should start a support group? Hi, I’m Laura and I’m a closeted introvert, wannabe extrovert, yes-aholic. The thing is – there are pros and cons to being us. So I compiled a list of the pros/cons. Check them out!
Cons:
- Burn Out: This is the biggest fear for companies, right? Run us until we’re on empty. Well, what happens when we run ourselves on empty? Who is at fault? For me – it doesn’t matter. We have to make the choice to make a change. For some people, that means finding time for yourself like working out, drawing, or taking a class. I still need to find that thing. Any ideas?
- Over Commit, Underachieve: Stretching ourselves too thin is a common mistake. My calendar has been triple booked, but for some reason I still think that I can make it to three different events in different parts of the city in one night. What happens? You’re thinking about the next thing and never focused on that person, that conversation or the task at hand. Sometimes, it’s bad to be 3 steps ahead.
- It Costs More: From a financial perspective and also from a personal, relationship perspective. After the memberships, event admission tickets, $4/gallon gas, and drinks/food – your wallet can hurt. I’ve had to consult my handy dandy annual budget to see if I can take on another volunteering activity. Also, I spend less and less time with my partner, hanging out with my brother and parents, talking to my cousins and spoiling my godson. And all of a sudden, this self-less thing starts to feel really selfish.
- People-First: I’ve met incredible people and expanded my network for the activities I’ve taken part in. I’m smarter and more inspired for having met them. When I’m having a rough day and I’m anxious about the time it takes me to get back to the office after a luncheon program, I walk into an IABC event and everything changes. I remember the reason why I came in the first place. Social media is about learning and sharing and that’s the beauty of being a social media extrovert – online and IRL. You learn, you grow and you share. Knowledge is addictive.
- Practice Makes Perfect: One of my mentors always stressed the importance of volunteering on boards because the skills learn help you advance in your career. Serving on committees and boards gives you the leadership skills you need in the office – from presenting to pitching, to coaching and leading, to following direction. You can practice your management skills without the risk of a formal performance evaluation. Also, you learn the importance of a team and the dynamics that makes for a successful one. Plus, I can plan an event like a mad wo
- New Doors: Being a social media extrovert builds your brand. I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for my volunteering roles, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Your volunteering roles can give a company a glimpse of who you are as a person, what you value and where your priorities lie. It gives you an interesting story to tell on your resume, but it also gives you experience you may not get in your day-to-day job. For example, I had done some social media work in my previous role, but it was my board position that opened my eyes to social media and then opened doors to my current position. man. Also, for some companies, these are new business opportunities (and although it sounds a little sneaky, it was pretty smart).
What do you think about the pros/cons to being a social media extrovert? Did I miss anything?
Social at the Center of CSR
There’s a lot of discussion about what how and where does social media play into corporate social responsibility (CSR). Since Pepsi’s Refresh Project, we saw a shift in community expectations of CSR, moving away from simply reporting with hardbound books (ironic) and websites to community involvement. According to Chrysi Philalithes from the (RED) campaign, “70% of Americans think businesses can make more difference in the world than governments.” Companies have an opportunity to resonate with consumers and its global community, while making a lasting impact. The big step is to do it. But, how?
At its root, corporate social responsibility is grounded in community. With new tools and channels, this community has given light and voice to a larger collective – all possible because of social media. So, what does it take to take your CSR initiatives to the world of social media? I compiled a few thoughts and ideas below! Check it out and tell me what you think?
1. Commit. This step is crucial. If you can’t commit to CSR or social media, stop reading here. CSR is about long-term goals, plans, and a hope for a better future. This means that these efforts will take time, manpower and money.
2. Be human. The benefit of CSR is its ability to truly humanize your brand. Our community (online and offline) expect companies to be good citizens, to do the right thing. If you make a mistake, own up to it. If you don’t know, find the answer. If you need help, ask.
3. Listen. Find out what your audience needs and assess if your existing corporate initiatives are truly prioritized appropriately. If you’re donate laptops but the community really needs to focus on infrastructure, how can you readjust to put the needs of the community first. Or, use social media to ask the tough questions. When Starbucks opened up a feedback mechanism to ask for consumer help, they were welcomed and the feedback shared was constructive. The key is doing something about it …
4. Do. A shift has occurred in CSR, away from pulling out our wallets, and more about getting our hands dirty. So yes, CSR takes money, but we can’t simply stop at signing a check or matching a donation. CSR offers employees the ability to engage with consumers in a deeper way. furthermore, companies will be held more accountable for their promises. If consumer feedback says to reduce the amount of plastic in your packaging, the expectation is that you will investigate options and work to fulfill this request.
5. Communicate. Social media allows us to communicate a company’s great work, however it goes beyond simply pushing messages. Today, we’re able to ask for feedback, respond to constituent questions and build trust through transparency, and work to rally a community around a common cause – all through social media.
What are your thoughts on social media and CSR? What do you think is the company that’s doing it the best?
Other resources that might be helpful:
Tying Together Social Media and Corporate Social Responsibility (Via Jay Baer)
Corporate Social Responsibility (via Mashable)
PS – This is my first post from my ipad… not sure that it won’t be my last. 
Order Up! One Viral Marketing with a Side of Cynicism
I spent some time this weekend reading through business plans for a few entrepreneurs. Although the plans were all unique, one word was consistently found in each – viral. Typing it even makes me cringe. Viral has become just another buzzword and it breaks my heart each time.” I once read, Viral marketing is like succeeding in Hollywood; every actor wants to do it, only a few succeed. Elements of Viral Marketing
Know the Community: Understand people’s desire to ensure that actions align with what motivates the community.
Evoke emotion: Make it funny, make it light and make it a little unique and unbelievable. These are the things that make videos like the Talking Babies or the Old Spice Guy so contagious.
Give them the tools to share their experience: Offering all users the ability to share the content is essential. At the end of the day, that’s what we want – shares. So, ensure this is in every aspect of your placements. Also, understand their motivations for sharing. Some companies increase their exposure by offering free products. Something to think about.
Allow for personalization: An important component to viral marketing is the “theory of open remix.” This allows users to customize content and play a role. Elf Yourself is a great example of this! Make users feel a part of the experience, and they’re more likely to share it.
Make content easy to find: Creating links and making content easy to find is extremely important in online marketing and for viral marketing, this is even more essential. Optimize content and drive users to your content. Yes, advertising is important.
Seed Your Message: Opinion leaders are essential. In order for word-of-mouth to occur, a group of influential people must start the conversation. These influencers must be a targeted list of passionate people who have a substantial number of fans, friends and followers.
No, there’s no guarantee doing everything in this recipe will lead to automatic success. There is an element of being there at the right time, reaching the right people and resonating in just the perfect way. Did I miss anything? Share it in the comments section.
More than Coffee Runners: Benefits of Interns
It’s that time of the year again – interns. The funny thing about intern programs is that it’s similar to Hallmark holiday planning – it never ends. This year, I’m co-chairing our office’s internship program. From recruitment to program planning to interviews – it’s a little overwhelming, stressful but oh-so rewarding. Interns bring with them new energy, a yearning to learn, and sometimes a naivety that helps bitter professionals (you know who you are) remember when there were no boundaries.
In a recent Bnet article, Robin Richards, CEO of Internships.com said, “Internships are valuable because they are a powerful means of expanding your social network. Personal connections and relationships are the easiest means to get you on the inside track for employment. With 7 out of 10 internships resulting in employment offers, we can clearly see a strong correlation between personal connections and success in employment.”
I agree with Robin 110%. My first internship is what lead me to my second internship, which landed me my first job – my dream job. So as I reflect on my previous internships and about our new group of incoming interns later this summer, I wanted to share my top 5 reasons internships are beneficial to us as professionals and to organizations as a whole.
1. On the job training … For managers: Interns provide first-time managers a chance to learn how to manage someone’s time, work through personal and personnel challenges and share both positive feedback and constructive criticism. This is a great role for middle managers who may not have direct reports to be better professionals. A successful internship program is one that utilizes the strengths of their interns, and helps the interns explore new skill sets. Interns walk away with a wider network and tangible work experience.
2. Expanding your network – interns and employees: Planning a comprehensive program requires people from different departments. An internship program involves every aspect of the organization and enables people who may not get to work together to plan and execute a collaborative project. For example, I’m co-chairing our program with a co-worker I attended one meeting with a year and a half. For interns, expanding their network is the most important thing they can do. My CORO internship opened up my doors to governmental affairs, non-profit, labor unions, media and communications and business. I continually run into people who were a part of the program or know of the program. It even connected me to my first job. Just one day of presentations, a solid introduction and a follow-up helped me get my foot in the door. You never know when you’ll meet someone who will help you 2,3,5,10 years from now. Every connection counts.
3. Recruitment: Internship programs are a great way to generate awareness and exposure for your company. When launching a program, there’s a lot of promotion that comes into it. From career fair booths, brochures, websites and the wonder of word-of-mouth marketing, internship programs generate awareness for your company and the great work you do.
4. Leadership visibility: I don’t mean coffee runs for your VPs or EVPs. Many times (all the time), our organization’s leaders are slammed. Running from meeting to meeting, and airport to airport. Finding time for our top execs to meet with interns can be time consuming. It’s what they walk away with that is the benefit. One hour to share ideas and remember why they created the organization is inspiring. And interns who have the opportunity to meet with C-suite folks helps them grow as professionals, build a stronger network, and ask questions from our seasoned and influential leaders.
5. Innovation: It’s common for us to get in a rut. New people bring new ideas and push us to learn that “we’ve always done it this way” is not going to pass for an adequate answer. When we talk about bright eyed interns, we say it with a little envy. The truth is – it’s that spark and energy that got us all where we are today. It’s what brings us into work in the morning – and why we are always looking for something new to learn! Interns are a reminder of that feeling – and it’s a reminder for us that we all have it, even if some of us think we might have lost it along the way. Trust me, you haven’t.
And although it’s not a number, it ranks high in each and every one of our key learnings – interns bring fun! Do you have an internship program at your organization or been in a great program yourself? Tell us about what you see the benefits are.
