What is Social Media?
The Conversation Prism from Brian Solis
From Wikipedia:
“Social media are primarily Internet-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings. The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction, and the manner in which information is presented, depends on the varied perspectives and “building” of shared meaning among communities, as people share their stories and experiences”.
That is perhaps not so helpful, I think one of the best definitions comes from Antony Maynard of iCrossing who wrote in this e-book;
“What is social media?
Social media is best understood as a group of new kinds of online media, which share most or all of the following characteristics:
participation
social media encourages contributions and feedback from everyone who is interested. it blurs the line between media and audience.
openness
most social media services are open to feedback and participation. they encourage voting, comments and the sharing of information. there are rarely any barriers to accessing and making use of content – password-protected content is frowned on.
conversation
whereas traditional media is about “broadcast” (content transmitted or distributed to an audience) social media is better seen as a two-way conversation.
community
social media allows communities to form quickly and communicate effectively. Communities share common interests, such as a love of photography, a political issue or a favourite tv show.
connectedness
most kinds of social media thrive on their connectedness, making use of links to other sites, resources and people.”
Ok, well what does that mean for your business?
Social Media tools provide an opportunity to engage in conversation with your customers, to add value to them, and ultimately to your bottom line.
Social Media is not a quick fix but it will provide a depth of engagement that will more than justify the effort involved.
Social Media is about rethinking how you may have approached your marketing in the past – it’s seeing your marketing in a different way, as a chance to really show what makes you and your company unique.
It’s not broadcast, it’s dialogue.
