Interesting Things to Consider with Social Media
The thing I personally like about social media is that nobody "owns" it and there's something there for everyone. For all of my media career I've had to learn - and live by - the rules of "other people media" - the Gate Keepers! You have to format what you do to fit their TV show, or the Radio Style or even the Print Format.
Social media, however, is created by you and while there are some rules, you are the content producer, reporter, editor and broadcaster.
You don't have to look very far to find daily examples of how Twitter or You-Tube can impact a business in minutes. Recent stats report most businesses don't use social media but plan to in 2010! They see the trend.
Here are some of the trends you should know for the coming year:
* Traditional Media and marketing has been revamped, replaced. Much of what we did to market and tell our stories within the last year has been completely changed. And traditional media outlets are still scratching their heads.
* Social Media corporate marketing budgets are on the rise.
* Retailers and services business need to be savvy online; Customers are researching and buying online.
* The Recession is helping Social Media as a cost control alternative.
* News is 24/7 now, and consumers won't buy week old news. They like the immediacy of instantaneous social media. Part of that is the nature of the beast and part is the generation that is driving social media.
* Well known bloggers and influencers on Twitter are getting every media message out - almost instantly.
* Lots of good applications and increasing technology tools like the iPhone will advance the Social Media cause.
There are very clever ways for you and your practice (team) to use social media to advance your practice of veterinary medicine and public education. Never forget that this social media evolution is also watched by traditional media, and it is an excellent way for you to be seen and asked to appear in local media! That is one of the best benefits for you.
In closing, I will tell you that if you feel overwhelmed or intimidated by social media, internet communications and all the applications that are out there, you should! Even for some of us learning and practicing it daily, it is like nothing since the Industrial revolution.
Use of the internet will continue to grow and smart professionals are looking now at how they can plug into the dynamic-and fascinating tools out there to use the seemingly craziness of social media to their hospital's benefit.
