Social Media is no longer coming, it is now pervasive. I use this slideshow for a one hour introduction to Social Media, often presented to business people with little or no experience with the subject.

1. 1 Circa 1960

2. Social Media and You (Yes, You) Ben Robbins – ACS Connect

3. Ben Robbins’ Profile Personal Information ____________________________________________ Company: ACS Connect Position: Director of Marketing Location: Tampa, FL Relationship Status: Married Social Media Contact ____________________________________________ LinkedIn Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/benrobbins Twitter Profile: http://twitter.com/benrobbins Construction Blog: http://www.acs-connect.com/conexec Interests _______________________________________________________ Associations & Groups: CFMA, ABC, AGC, American Marketing Association, Google Analytics Professionals Hobbies: Camping, hiking, writing, news junkie 3

4. Today’s Topic What is Social Media? Why does it matter to me? Why does it matter to my company? How do I get started? 4

5. What is Social Media? 5 Any medium that allows a community to create, consume and share ideas or information in a collaborative and democratic way.

6. Examples of Social Media 6 Social Networking Social Bookmarking Blogging & Podcasting User Generated Content All of the above, in 140 characters or less

7. We Use Social Media Without Realizing The “crowdsourcing” of movie reviews is a simple example of how the “wisdom of crowds” can have an influence on both individual decisions and global trends. 7

8. How We Communicate & Network is Changing Social Media is rapidly replacing many of the methods we take for granted now: Cable & Broadcast TV, DVD & Blu-ray Meetings, Tradeshows & Seminars Newspapers Researching Vendors & Subcontractors 8

9. Personal Opportunities from Social Media WIIFM? Why Social Media is helpful: Extends ability to network with peers Job hunting is easier Easy to keep current on industry trends It’s a platform for demonstrating expertise It allows you to build a personal brand Less Spam 9

10. Personal Risks from Social Media When using social media, keep in mind: Any publicly available information that can be scrutinized during and after hiring Your company’s policies for use of social media on company time or using company resources Seemingly benign information that can put your job or company at risk if disclosed publicly 10

11. Corporate Opportunities from Social Media Your competition is using social media for: Recruiting Employees Employee Relations Recruiting Subcontractors Consumer Marketing & Brand Building Business Development 11

12. Corporate Risks Resulting from Social Media Regardless of a company’s policies and participation, the following risks are real: Negative Press Negative Word of Mouth Leaked Proprietary Information Lawsuits Related to Privacy Concerns 12

13. Social Media Policies Every company should have policies in place proactively & explicitly addressing: Use of social media on company resources for both personal communications and for conducting business Privacy expectations Disclosure of proprietary information Public statements about or on behalf of the company 13

14. Getting Started - Sign Up for These Sites First 14 Not really!

15. Getting Started – Be Realistic None of us can be everywhere: Join fewer networks, but commit to those you do join. Syndicate & automate if you like, but keep it fresh and real. Every audience is unique. Go where the content is. 15

16. Getting Started – Begin With LinkedIn A few tips for new LinkedIn members: Write your profile in the 1st person Add all your email addresses to your account Join relevant groups & select a weekly email Get in the habit: Connect with every person you meet IRL within 24 hours Travelling? Let contacts in your destination know you’re coming, and never eat alone. 16

17. Getting Started – General Best Practices 5 Rules that apply throughout social media: Engage, don’t just broadcast. Just like IRL. Make it personal. Even if you represent a business, people want to talk to people. Learn the lingo. Don’t be afraid to ask for things, but don’t be needy (See # 1). Pay it forward. 17

18. Suggestions for Further Reading Social Media books for personal & business: Socialnomics – Erik Qualman Me 2.0 – Dan Schawbel Trust Agents - Chris Brogan, Julien Smith 18