This document provides guidance for political leaders on using social media and online presence strategically. It recommends first understanding how constituents receive information online and through their networks. It then advises analyzing who the influential voices are in different communities and regions. Finally, it suggests engaging audiences where they are online, leveraging one's network, and presenting endorsements to build credibility and favorable press. The overall message is for political leaders to thoughtfully consider their online brand and how to connect with constituents through social media.

2. From the viewpoint of someone online,
inquiring minds only know what Google helps
us find or what our social network tells us.

3. As a political leader: personal brand becomes
an essential consideration of how people
perceive the campaign, the message and the
individual.

4. EDUCATION
(LISTENING)
PRESENCE STRATEGY
(ENGAGEMENT) (COLLABORATION)

5. EDUCATION AND LISTENING
THINK BEFORE BUILDING

8. How do they feel
–About my brand?
–About my message?
–About my community?

9. What are they talking about?
Regional issues?
• Cities: Snohomish, Seattle, Bellevue, etc
• Neighborhoods: schools, companies, organizations
Individuals?
• Supporters – Influencers – Detractors
News & Events?
• Council meetings – city events – headlines

10. Who is talking?
• Are they influential?
• What networks are they involved with?
• How can I engage them?

11. PRESENCE & ENGAGEMENT
DECIDING WHERE TO GO

12. FIRST: understand that any person
(including you) exists in multiple places.

13. SECOND: realize your target.
As an example: everyone building a campaign
wants favorable press coverage.

14. THIS IS OLD JOURNALISM

15. THIS IS NEW JOURNALISM

16. CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
WHEN AND WHERE THEY ARE

17. STRATEGY & COLLABORATION
LEVERAGING YOUR NETWORK
PRESENT YOUR BEST FACE
PEER ENDORSEMENT
TESTIMONIALS
CERTIFICATIONS
GROUP MEMBERSHIPS
SUCCESS STORIES
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CUSTOMER SERVICE

18. Thank You, Questions Please.
Barry Hurd
123SocialMedia.com
http://twitter.com/123socialmedia