Folks get into social media for a number of reasons. Some love technology and are early adopters, for others the space provides a self-promotional platform while others flock to it because of the buzz that it garners.
I got into it three years ago when I was handed a magazine article and given the ultimatum of figuring it out.
At the time, I was content with public relations. Social media was still being called Web 2.0, but in our weekly PR team meeting, social media nearly hit me in the head. As the meeting closed, our then Vice President of Public Relations tossed the June 2, 2008 edition of BusinessWeek at me with Stephen Baker’s cover story entitled Beyond Blogs which focused on Twitter. She told me to figure out if and how our company should get involve in social networking.
It wasn’t love at first sight as Twitter was a new technology that I wasn’t sure could be used for public relations or reputation management. It was kind of scary and the premise of using 140 characters to communicate and giving up control was intimidating.
After a few months of playing around, I had met some folks and dropped all preconceived notions of spelling, abbreviations and punctuation. From a business standpoint, our team was figuring things out and establishing a strategy that would continue to grow and evolve to this date and gain Vistaprint exposure in national publications and a few books. Sure we made mistakes along the way, but by asking the folks communicating with us to give us advice as to what they wanted.
Looking back I have to laugh that it actually took a magazine being tossed at me to get into the social media space. Hell, now I can’t imagine life without being connected on the social interwebs.
There’s my story, how did you get started on social media?
Image – pl1602
In 2002 I became a member of Red Wings World, it was a subscription based fan site for the Detroit Red Wings and then I noticed how many communities are surrounded by the team. I knew the team had issues they had to solve and I have been hooked ever since. Than I surrounded myself with tech people, went to conferences, and became an active member in the community. I am still hoping one day the Red Wings actually listen to my ideas but I am still actively seeking a digital marketing position. I keep up with trends, solve problems online and try and be helpful. Great post!
@JamieFavreau Keep at it Jamie. The Devils recently turned their social media and community cultivation to fans. I think it is really cool, especially since it is a mega-brand. Who you have in game 7 tonight?
@jeffespo Well Jeff they have hired three people since they realized they needed someone in the position. I didn’t even get a chance to interview for the position and they hired someone form Boston. So he will be in the position for a long time I did an executive summary for the EVP of Marketing but that is as far as it went. I am backing off until the end of the season which is tonight.
I really would like to see Tim Thomas lift the Cup. He has been stellar all playoffs but I also would love to see Vancouver win it. If I could have Vancouver win it with Tim Thomas as the goalie. I think I would like it more. I just want triple overtime and stuff.
@JamieFavreau Sorry to hear that lady. Columbus was looking for someone in that role as well and if you drop me a DM with email can forward along to you if interested. I know not the Wings, but might help. I am pulling for Vancouver. Mostly because I am sick of the Boston fans calling into the station and dubbing Thomas as the greatest netminder of all time. Sure he has had a great postseason, but he is not even close to the top 20. This series reminds me a lot of the 2003 Cup final with NJ & Anaheim – even down to bone-jarring defenseman hit, difference was that Paul Kariya popped up.
@jeffespo Well I think Tim Thomas is the ONLY reason why Boston has gotten this far. Like I said I would rather have Vancouver win but I would really hate to see Thomas lose. He sort of reminds me of Hasek just not as many wins and stuff. He did well for the USA in the Olympics and this is just another version of that. He hasn’t been pulled like Luongo but the team can’t seem to play on the road. Major road block.
Do you know someone in Columbus? I will send it via FB I think.
Thanks. Your readers are going to be wondering what the heck happened with this comment section.