Words of a Broken Mirror » social networks

Should You Outsource Your Social Media Presence?

Alina Popescu — Sun, 01 May 2011 11:32:31 +0000

If your potential buyers are online and spend time on social networks, you clearly need to engage them through social media. How you choose to do so is a different question. Should you create an in house team and train them, should you hire an agency specializing in social media campaigns?

The answer simply comes down to time and money required to achieve an effective social media presence. If your employees are not fully booked, you have the funds to train them and their time is better spent engaging customers online than taking care of another aspect of your business, than your soon-to-be in house social media team is the answer. Of course, those you plan to train to take on the social media effort should have some idea of the Internet and social networks and require a limited amount of time to learn the tricks of the online world. In this scenario, training from an expert is paramount. It might cost you, but it is a lot faster and yields better results than throwing your staffers in the lake and expecting them to learn swimming on their own.

On the other hand, if you have no people to spare and bringing on more personnel to train makes is not a smart business move, an agency or freelancer is a better solution. They already know the tools and etiquette of the trade and have relevant experience in social media marketing and public relations. They will need some training from you on products, values, and business processes to engage in social media activities that best fit your company’s purposes.

The trick with outsourcing social media efforts is that your business has to be in constant contact with the agency or freelancer handling your online presence. They need frequent updates on new launches, industry events and new people promoting your brand. They also need a direct line to those able to provide answers to questions sent via social networks.

They might be the first to find out about software crashes or other crises, they might be required to provide in-depth information on your products or services, they might receive sales inquiries. And the rule is the online world hasn’t got a lot of patience. They reach out on Facebook, Twitter or your blog because they want a quick reply. The experts handling your social media accounts should be able to get relevant information and support in a couple of hours during business hours and a maximum of 20 hours if their enquiry comes in when there’s no one in your office.

Whoever you choose, your social media presence needs the same amount of effort, dedication and consistency. And most of all, your choice has to be smart and profitable. To make sure you pick a winner, pay attention to the cost of time and do not ignore it when deciding.

Need help with your Social Media campaigns? Check out the Mirror Communications Social Media Packages and contact us to get started!

Now I’ve really had it!

Alina Popescu — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:27:26 +0000

I’ll keep this one short and sweet. I get a lot of Twitter direct message spam. I overlook some of it, because it’s unintentional. I don’t think all Twitter users a) realize they send direct messages to those following them with Mafia wars requests and b) can tell how utterly annoying it is when it comes a few times a day from different people. But I draw the line at so called online professionals doing the very same. Stop! It’s annoying.

Yes, if you have a twitter account that you use casually to fool around with friends, by all means, play all the Mafia Wars you want. But if it’s a business account and you are trying to show how much of an expert you are, you should know better! No, you can’t get away with it as easily! You’re on probation! I follow people in my line of business because I admire them. We can brainstorm, discuss our ideas, share news. But I can’t look up to spammers or waste my Twitter time on them

5 Social Media Lessons You Can Learn from Bikers

Alina Popescu — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:53:48 +0000

Bikers are an interesting group to observe. And seeing them interact with each other and with “outsiders” has helped me learn a few tricks that can be successfully applied to social media. Anyone thinking of a successful campaign on the social web should watch them closely, learn, and then apply.

1. Once you’re in, say hello to the others

When it comes to bikers, it doesn’t matter if you know those you meet on the road. You honk, or wave your hand, or find another way to say hello. You will always get a cordial reply. No matter how new to the group you are, you will get a warm welcome. Leave all shyness behind and take the plunge, you won’t regret it. And interacting with the rest is ten times more fun than just acting like a loner.

2. It’s all about passion and sharing

All bikers love their bikes, the open road and all the sensations riding entails. They could talk about it for hours. They will tell you all about different kinds of bikes and what they are best at, they know where to go and search for the company or expertise of other bikers, and they are happily sharing all they know. And their passions and full enjoyment of the experience is just contagious.

3. Recognize the uniqueness of what you’re doing

Riding a bike is nothing like driving a car, rollerblading or taking the train. It’s a unique experience, which requires a certain set of skills, learning certain lessons and taking some precautions. It’s sometimes more dangerous, it’s more rewarding at times; it comes with a particular view on everything around you. Recognizing this uniqueness allows you to be a lot better at it.

4. As it happens with everything in life, there are risks and responsibilities

You always need to know where danger might come from, be it the dogs trying to bite you, the careless drivers who don’t see you on your bike, the wet road or the tricky mud. Knowing the risks are there, won’t prevent or control them in anyway, but you’ll be ready for them and you’ll know how to react to them and stay safe. And more importantly, you are responsible for your safety, for that of your passenger, and for those around it. Acting reckless won’t really cut it. It will just get you hurt. Sometimes badly.

5. It’s cool, but it’s not for everyone!

Not everyone should become a biker. And the coolness factor is not a good enough reason to join. If you’re in it just because your friends are doing it, but you’d rather spend your time doing something else that you’re better at and you find far more interesting and rewarding, you’ll definitely quit. But only after investing a lot of time and money into something that has nothing to do with what you want and can’t help you get it.