#SMDay... money for nothing and your clicks for free!

FIRST BACKGROUND... What is #SMDay?

Social Media Day is an event started by Mashable to celebrate all things Social Media. It’s a chance for  social media enthusiasts and social media “professionals” to network and get together to swap notes  by hosting or attending Social Media Day meetups around the country.

Last week I attended an #SMDay event at the Ritz Carlton... free event, free seminars, free valet, free swag bags, so why not! It was fun. I got free stuff and met a lot of interesting people. Who knew there were so many social media sillies in the Phoenix area.... and they get paid for it too! Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. Who would have thought there would be such a large social niche and that I would've stumbled into it.

I found myself becoming a social cyber butterfly (I guess you'd call me a caterpillar back then) at my last job. I worked for a writer who wrote for all kinds of publications including FSB and CNNMoney. It was fun and a big time learning experience. Twitter was a new animal and FB was just for college kids, ah the good old days. Anyway, that is where I first got my feet wet and now am a cyber social butterfly at a non-profit, though they insist on calling me a E-Communications Associate... whatever.

Though it doesn't seem like it, there is a formula to it all. If you know it and use it, even part-time, you can gain a following online that will surprise you. The main secret behind Social Media is interaction. This is a big "DUH" to most people but a lot of companies still don't get it and then they hire someone like me.☺ What people crave is a connection, whether to loved ones or their favorite band, it is all about connection and interaction. If you can figure out how to give people this well then ... "yours is the Earth and everything that is in it, and - which is more - you'll be a man, my son." And you'll have a really high Klout score.

(BTW, that verse is from the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling that I had to memorize in high school, I'm proud that I still remember it! Well I remember some of it.)

So conclusion...

1. Media is noise.

2. Social Media is a chance to join the noise and make your own mini-headlines and news.

3. It's all about interaction.

SOCIAL MEDIA HOW TO:

How do you use social media for business? (well at least what I learned... in 5 steps)

1. There are some rules about posting that are unspoken but known among businesses... post often but not too often on company pages. No one likes you to fill their feed.

2. How many posts a day: Twitter - 5 times a day... no more than 7. Facebook - 3 times a day... no more than 5 times a day.

3. Be BRIEF!

4. INTERACT!

5. BIG TIP ALERT: Think of your company... break down what you do into 4 categories. For example: What is WhyNots about? - 1. Enjoying life, 2. New experiences, 3. Learning new things, 4. Not taking things too seriously.... nice. Well there are 4 weeks in a month and now you have 4 topics to explore each month on Social Media, so each week will have a main theme to help you organize your posts better (this is a great start for people new to Social Media craziness). Fun huh?

There are other tips but that's why I get the big bucks.... I can't tell you all my secrets! ☺

WHERE WAS I?
#SMDay @ The Ritz Carlton
... can't wait til next year for networking fun and the great burgers at the Ritz were an awesome bonus!