Social Media – A Tool for EG? Hanna Isoranta Euroguidance Network Annual Meeting, October, Brussels

What is Social Media? Social Media –is a type of media that is based on conversation and interaction between people online. –means digital words, sounds & pictures which are typically shared via the internet and the value can be cultural, societal or even financial. –is designed to be disseminated through social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques. –uses web-based technologies to transform and broadcast media monologues into social media dialogues. –transforms people from content consumers to content producers. (Wikipedia)

Why to use it? It is an easy way –to gather information, e. g. to get to know your customers’ opinions and expectations. –to discuss with your customers. –to connect and collaborate with your partner organisations. –to offer your services and share information. –to promote your services. –to get rapid feedback. –to make your working methods more effective. –to improve communication.

Before you start Practice! –Get to know different platforms and tools. –Learn to use them! –Try to adopt the language of social media. –Follow trends because they change rapidly.

Before you start Think! –Purpose: What is your goal? –Audience: Who are you doing it for? –Resources/Responsibilities: Who is taking care of the updating/content management? –Select tools: Which social media platforms are most suitable for your purpose/organisation? –Rights: Who can represent the organisation in social media? Are employees allowed to write and discuss freely? Or are there some confidential/sensitive issues? –Engagement: Is your organisation willing to engage in social media in the long run?

Before you start Plan! –Plan the content. –Clarify your messages. Are your messages in harmony with the organisations’ communication? –How often are you going to update/create content? –When and how should you reply to feedback? How to handle negative feedback? –What kind of tone should you use in writing and commenting? (personality vs. official tone)

How to use it? Inform: Twitter, Facebook, Blogger (or any other blog)TwitterFacebookBlogger Promote: Facebook, YouTubeYouTube Connect: Facebook, LinkedInLinkedIn Share: Flickr, Slideshare, DeliciousFlickrSlideshareDelicious Work together: Wikispaces, Ning (or any other wiki or workspace)WikispacesNing Create content: WikipediaWikipedia Organize: Netvibes, iGoogle, DoodleNetvibesiGoogleDoodle Follow: socialmentionsocialmention

Thank you!