SOCIAL MEDIA AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Melissa McKrell, Oncology Nursing Society

Introduction

Let’s not get too official here, but for now, let’s refer to social media as “online platforms that foster conversations, help people form groups, and share user-generated content that is highly interactive.” 30-Second Definition

Social Media as a Barometer Night Shifts in Oncology Nursing The Case of the Double-Lumen Dilemma

Social Media as a Barometer The Naked Mole RatONS Elections

Social Media as a Barometer FluffyMathematical

Social Media as a Barometer Like any marketing tool that helps us analyze results, social media reminds us to ask:  How is my audience engaging with my content?  What do they like about it?  If my audience isn’t engaging with my content, is it because it doesn’t have value? Or is it because I’m using the wrong tool or talking to the wrong audience?

Hint: there’s no wrong answer. How are you using social media?

Which social media outlets, if any, do you use for leisure? I pin. I watch. I blog. I tweet. I network. I “like” stuff.

What social media outlets do you have no earthly use for at all? Pinning is for old suits. I don’t watch many online videos. Blog is the name of my pet rock. If I wanted to tweet, I’d chip a tooth. I don’t need to network online. I “like” stuff in real life, thank you.

How much time per week do you spend on social media?

Social Media and SIGs (Wait—wasn’t that the title of this presentation?)  What, if any, social media tools are you using to engage your SIG members or organize events?  If you’re using social media tools as part of your SIG communications, what are the benefits, and what do you want to know from ONS?  If you’re not using these tools, any particular reason why?

Make Social Media Work for Your SIG  Meet your SIG members where they already spend a lot of time—social media.  Bring out the friendly, accessible side of your SIG.  Use social media as a tool to engage non-members, growing your audience.  Keep your SIG “top of mind” for your audience— use social media to post about members, SIG events, and your topic in the news.

Be realistic. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Lay out the welcome mat—post regularly.

Fold ONS national news into your posts.

Use Google Alerts to find content ideas.

Embrace crowdsourcing—even if it comes with risks.

Be mannerly in posting and responding to posts—even if someone else isn’t.

Thanks for your time, and for visiting us in Pittsburgh!