JON RIVERS – DATA MASONS UBAX05 - Unlocking the Power of Social Media for You and Your Company

Agenda Introduction What is Social Media? How to use Social Media? Roundtable Discussions Closing Statements

Introduction Jon Rivers –Works for a Dynamics ISV –Drives Data Masons’ Social Media Strategy –AXUG Contributor –Official Blogger for Convergence 2013 –Author: Solving the Social Media Puzzle for Microsoft Dynamics End Users & Social Media for Microsoft Dynamics PartnersSolving the Social Media Puzzle for Microsoft Dynamics End Users Social Media for Microsoft Dynamics Partners

What is Social Media? You’ve probably got an idea of what social media means to you, let’s define it so that we can all work from a common framework: Short Definition: Social Media is any tool or service that uses the Internet to facilitate conversations. - Brian SolisSocial Media is any tool or service that uses the Internet to facilitate conversations. Long Definition: Social Media is the democratization of information, transforming people from content readers into publishers. It is the shift from a broadcast medium, one-to-many, to a many-to-many model, rooted in conversations between authors, people, and peers. - Brian SolisSocial Media is the democratization of information, transforming people from content readers into publishers. It is the shift from a broadcast medium, one-to-many, to a many-to-many model, rooted in conversations between authors, people, and peers.

Maximizing Social Media Opportunities Data Masons’ Social Media Outreach Example Social Media Channels

LinkedIn What it is: A business-oriented social networking site that enables users to connect with colleagues, look for a job or business relationships and get answers to industry questions. LinkedIn users invite people they know and trust to become "linked in" to them, and the business connections of invited users are in turn linked. However, in order to reach connections down the line, requests for introductions have to be made. – PC Magazine Encyclopedia (PCMAG.com)A business-oriented social networking site that enables users to connect with colleagues, look for a job or business relationships and get answers to industry questions. LinkedIn users invite people they know and trust to become "linked in" to them, and the business connections of invited users are in turn linked. However, in order to reach connections down the line, requests for introductions have to be made. Talking Point(s): Individual Profiles, Company Profiles, Groups, Promotions, LinkedIn Ads Take Away: Data Masons’ staff is very visible with complete profiles (including pictures), full company profile setup, active postings within Groups. Have used Advertising and Job Positing options which have all been worthwhile. LinkedIn is one of the top 5 drivers for new business.

LinkedIn LinkedIn is one of Data Masons’ top 5 drivers for new business. In the past 6 months, Data Masons as increased its website referrals from LinkedIn by X%. Increased traffic contributed to: – Promotions posted within targeted groups – Regular status updates on company profile – Introducing targeted LinkedIn Ads

Blogs (and RSS Feeds) What it is: A blog (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaA blog (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Talking Point(s): Content, Who Should Post? So what is a RSS Feed (Really Simple Syndication)? What it is: "Really simple syndication" that automatically broadcasts updated content to everyone who subscribes to it; the flow of data to subscribers is called a "feed." - Resource Center"Really simple syndication" that automatically broadcasts updated content to everyone who subscribes to it; the flow of data to subscribers is called a "feed." Take Away: Data Masons uses to show domain expertise and to talk about what’s happening with the broader Dynamics Community.

Blogs (and RSS Feeds)

Twitter What it is: A social networking site that allows users to enter 140-character text updates that are shared with others who subscribe to that poster's feed. Used for quick hits of information, or to convey updates from live events. – ASPCA.org Talking Point(s): Business vs. Personal Account, Pros & Cons Take Away: Data Masons uses to help promote content which is published via its other various social media channels. Prime example during Convergence: Data Masons will participate in the “Social Media Wall” which gives an opportunity to promote who we are and drive people to our booth.

Twitter: The Power of a Tweet Data Masons Followers: Followers: Followers: Followers: 2319 Message Re-tweeted Gone Viral

Google + What it is: A social network similar to Facebook, but offered by Google with individual and business profiles, status updates, and circles which lets you group/categorize the individuals/business you want to follow. Talking Point(s): Google+ for Business: Take Away: Data Masons has been using this recently more and more as it helps to increase search result rankings with Google searches. They have also added Google+ accounts for Blog Authors to help with rankings.

Google + Tie in with Twitter for increased activity Awesome search result that stands out among crowd

Facebook What it is: The largest of the social networks (it boasts more than 1 billion active users); Facebook has become a favorite destination for people, businesses, and organizations to connect and share information because of its easy-to-use interface and interactive features. – Constant ContactThe largest of the social networks (it boasts more than 1 billion active users); Facebook has become a favorite destination for people, businesses, and organizations to connect and share information because of its easy-to-use interface and interactive features. The area I want to discuss more is what’s a Page/Fan Page. What it is: A Fan Page is dedicated to giving updates and information about a particular subject, such as a celebrity, company or brand. - MMK MediaA Fan Page is dedicated to giving updates and information about a particular subject, such as a celebrity, company or brand. Take Away: Data Masons does have a Facebook presence, but doesn’t see it as a key driver for opportunities.

YouTube What it is: An online network used for posting videos (private, invitation- only, or open to the public) and commenting on them; allows members to create a short profile, but almost all content beyond the basics takes the form of video posts and comments. Users can create groups and “friend” each other. - Resource CenterAn online network used for posting videos (private, invitation- only, or open to the public) and commenting on them; allows members to create a short profile, but almost all content beyond the basics takes the form of video posts and comments. Users can create groups and “friend” each other. Talking Point(s): Training Videos, Promotions, Tie Back to Social Media Outlets Take Away: Data Masons hasn’t to-date fully utilized this medium, but is looking to increase presence in 2013.

Roundtable Discussion

Continue the Conversation Online user community for knowledge sharing: AXUG events: - Webinars and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Social Media #AXUG #CONV13 #MSDYNAX And don’t forget to complete your session surveys on the Convergence website, your feedback is appreciated

Thank you Remember to Complete Session Surveys Jon Rivers Data Masons Blog: LinkedIn: Find me at Booth Convergence