Keren’s Work Experience in Social Media
- While there is not much difference among organizations as an effective social media strategy can work for different entities, businesses in general allow more freedom and creativity in using social media for communication; government agents are more careful regarding the content being communicated.
- Social media policy is very important for every organization, but surprisingly, few organizations she worked for had established clear guidelines of using social media. “Many companies’ social media policies are more reactive; a good social media policy will allow organizations to be more proactive in responding to what is happening in social media.” As a result, whoever can develop social media strategies and write social media policies is “golden” in job search.
- As to which department should write the social media policy for the organization, Keren pointed to the Communication Department. I believe that social media should be included in an organization’s integrated business strategy because social media can be used in PR, HR, Marketing, and more. Accordingly, if the Communication Department oversees an organization's social media activities in different departments, it will work. Otherwise, the executive committee that develops integrated strategy should draft the social media policy for the organization. What are your opinions on this issue?
Trends in Social Media
- Many companies are “afraid” of social media because they don’t know how to use it. Seeing the opportunities and advantages of using social media in business, more companies will realize the importance of social media. They must use social media in order to stay competitive --- Avon is a good example of failing for not being able to catch up with the social media trends in competition.
- Organizations should hire at least one dedicated person to manage their social media channels. If budget is an issue, a manager should oversee such activities. Small business with limited resources is advised to use those “widely-reach” platforms with built-in integrated applications (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube). Without a dedicated person who consistently updates relevant content on social media, it is difficult to engage the audience.
Using Social Media in Job Search
- Networking is still the key, especially for those vacancies that are not even publicized. LinkedIn and other social media tools can certainly help people build a network online, but the “personal connections” cannot be completely replaced by a virtual network.
- Students and job seekers are advised to acquire the following transferable skills: having (and being able to demonstrate) strong communication skills (verbal and written), knowing the relevant trends of the field, paying attention to details, multitasking/multi-talented (e.g. having the skill sets of writing, administration, and strategic planning), and the ability of know-how (e.g. using WordPress and making YouTube videos).
- Graduate school is a great place for networking. Alumni are often very helpful, for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Thank you, Keren for sharing her valuable advice of using social media in communication. What additional suggestions will you give to us?
Please visit http://sfy.co/qTg to read more about our Storify story for today’s interview.
Before taking this class, I knew that social media is important in terms of advertising a company. I have seen world-wide organizations like Starbucks utilizing social medial to enhance the brand. However, I am surprise that someone can actually brand himself/herself on social media, to a scale that they are making jobs available to them!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't have a skill set for making policy, I agree that companies should consider it. I am also curious how the policy might be because social media involves many interactions. You don't want to limit yourself due to the constraint of policy.
That's a good point, Sandy. Having a policy is good, but at the same time, may limit employees' creativity. Controlling the balance is really an art.
DeleteI think that throughout the last few years it has become quite obvious that social media can offer many advantages to those who use it for other reasons beside personal enjoyment. Having a social media policy has become very important and almost essential for every organization to obtain. I think that companies want to have one because social media is a great way to not only get your brand or organizations name out there but it is also a great strategy to handling comments, both positive and negative. I really enjoyed hearing Kerens opinion on how social media can become a competitive advantage for a company.
ReplyDeleteadvantage
I agree that every company should hire at least one employee who knows how to work with multiple social media platforms and knows how to take of all that they have to offer for the company. I feel as though that as the years progress, so will technology, and as technology progresses so will social media and with that companies should continue to keep themselves updated with the newest technology so they can help better their company.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKeren was a wonderful person to receive insight from. She has great experience and knows a lot about the industry and how to successfully use social media. One thing that did stand out to me as well, was the implementation of a social media policy. It is interesting to me that most of the companies she worked for did have this policy, but I can see how it may have slipped over their heads. But, now, after understanding how important it is, I believe every company using social media should have a policy set in place. It is better to have a plan of action and know how to react rather than just impulsively reacting on the spot. Social media requires you to be on your toes; it is instant and live time. Anything can happen at any moment, and you should be prepared for that. I found it also interesting how Keren ties social media with political aspects. She enjoys both, and I can definitely see how both can work together now. Keren, also reinforced many of the social media tools we have learned throughout the course and reiterated much advice that Doctor Kwok has given us such as, updating fresh and relevant content, using social media to build relationships as well as networks and contents, and lastly know who will be in charge of the social media and who will oversee it.
ReplyDeleteKaren's interview on Tuesday was incredibly fascinating and educational. She has an interesting background and tons of experience that will help her for the rest of her life. Her insight of social media is motivating. One thing that stood out to me the most was when she spoke about having to write talking points for President Clinton. When I asked her about it in class, she immediately put a smile on her face and was excited to share her on toes experience with us.
ReplyDeleteMany companies are finding the need to implement social media into their companies. I believe that it is important to have a basic understanding of the social media world. Social media is constantly changing each day. It is incredibly spontaneous and anything can happen in just seconds. Many of the companies to which Karen has worked for have implemented a social media policy. This policy has been implemented in order for companies to obtain an action plan that allows the company to plan ahead when needing to respond to something or someone. Overall Karen's interview was a great experience and I am happy that she took the time to speak with us.
I wanted to thank you for this great. well Social network site is an online platform that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks among people who want to share interests, activities with each other. Azdes.co an online service that allows anyone to create and manage their social community with your friends and family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark. I appreciate your feedback. Looking forward to hearing more comments from you.
Delete