Basic tools for using social media effectively for small to midsize associations and professional groups.

1. Basics of Social Media
April 21, 2009
From the New York State Bar
Association
Presented by Barbara Beauchamp

2. What is Social Media?
•• Social Media is defined as ……
"The technologies that enable people
to share their experiences and
opinions directly with one another
and without the help of traditional
media, public relations or
advertising."

3. In other words ……
•• Social media is a way of self-publishing
•• Normal filters and procedures are not
in place
•• Traditional media models (newspapers,
magazines, books) are forced to adapt
•• NYSBA is adapting, too

4. Basic Communications
•• Listserves –– a means of e-mailing from
one member of a group to the entire
group; the entire group receives all
responses in most cases
•• Very early type of social media
•• Considered old-school in today’’s
environment
•• Group communications happen via e-vite,
Facebook, text messaging, etc.

5. The New World
•• Blogs –– self-published opinion columns
with an element of interactivity through
the comments feature
•• Comments can be signed or
anonymous
•• Can be for business or personal use

6. What’’s a Wiki?
•• Wiki is a format that allows for
collaborative creation of materials in
HTML format
•• Wikipedia is the best known example
•• Usually a wide open format –– anyone
can edit
•• Useful for group editing of large
publications

7. Social Networking vs. Social Media
•• Social Networking –– connecting
digitally with your contacts and the
contacts of your contacts
•• LinkedIn www.linkedin.com
•• Legally Minded
www.legallyminded.com
•• Can have legitimate business uses

8. LinkedIn.com
•• Go to www.linkedin.comand sign up
•• Create your profile –– be as specific as
you feel comfortable
•• Remember that your information is out
there on the Internet for all to see
•• Start inviting your contacts (from your
e-mail address book) to connect with
you (become your LinkedIn buddy)

9. Facebook! MySpace! Oh My!
•• Some social networking sites are for
personal use/entertainment purposes
•• Perception: sites are for kids, online
dating, bands, raucus party pictures
•• Considered the communication tool of
choice for ages 18-24
•• < 10% over age 35 use these sites

10. Using Networking Sites
•• Choose the right product –– Facebook
for Young Lawyers and Law Students
•• Create a protected networking site for
Senior Lawyers
(www.nysbaseniorlawyers.ning.com)
•• Also http://www.mypracticelaw.org/
•• Sometimes a directory and listserve will
meet the member needs

11. Twitter.com
•• Microblogging site
•• Posts limited to 140 characters
•• Originally just a social/chat tool
•• Used by businesses to spread message
•• NYSBA twitters news release headlines
•• Gather ““followers”” as audience

12. Podcasting
•• Digital audio or video presentations
•• Easily archivable –– available at the
users convenience
•• Portable (with MP3 player, various
phones)
•• Way of easily adding audio or video
messages to Web sites

13. Interactive Digital Audio
•• Host your own Internet talk show
•• Blog Talk Radio
•• Allows listeners to interact by calling
800 number
•• Should be managed by trained
communicators

14. Digital Video –– the Upside
•• Create your own online TV channel
•• Messages reach a different audience
than traditional print channels
•• Allows you to record and post short ads
•• Very important to keep it short and
simple

15. How Can We Use This Stuff?
•• Connect with Section members
•• Create online idea storms to generate
feedback
•• Connect with the media
•• Use new technologies to excite,
entertain, enchant your membership
•• Re-energize existing content with
interactivity

16. What is REALLY Important?
•• It’’s all about content
•• CONTENT!!!
•• Each vehicle is a way to connect with
members, present content, encourage
interactivity
•• Goal: Make your Section a relevant and
expected source of news, information,
connection for Section members

17. Who to call for help:
•• Contact Barbara Beauchamp at the
NYSBA at (518) 487 5644 or
bbeauchamp@nysba.org with
questions or if you need assistance
•• For CLE-related questions, contact
CLE Senior Director Terry Brooks at
tbrooks@nysba.org