Authenticity is the key

stevebaty — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:04:48 +0000

Perhaps the biggest hurdle facing corporations attempting to engage with people through social media challenges is the need to set aside the well-crafted, PR-driven corporate message and talk as a person in return. Social media is, at its core, a conversation between real people, discussing real ideas, issues and concerns. And that conversation needs to be authentic – honest, open, and multi-directional – if it is to work.

As an organization, are you more worried about saying the ‘wrong thing’? Chances are, if you’re not approaching social media as a channel for honesty, then that’s exactly what will happen. But if you are open. If you talk with customers as people; and if you engage with them in a conversation; well, then, you’ll find that customers are really quite smart, energetic, and surprisingly loyal.

Engage in discourse. Clarify if need be. …

fifikins — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:31:25 +0000

Engage in discourse. Clarify if need be. Get to know people and the people they engage with. Become part of the community.

Don’t follow for the sake of numbers, follow because you want to know more about people and engage with them.

Listen to what people are saying- if they are being critical of your company, brand or product then ask yourself why. Be open about who you work for and/or represent and any interests you may have in publicising or promoting something.

Also follow people back who follow you. People will not find credibility with someone who claims to be listening but does not follow.

Twitter Agency » engage

Authenticity is the key

Engage in discourse. Clarify if need be. …