This slide show describes what social media is and the first steps to take to jump aboard the social trend.

1. What To Do About Social Media By: Tiffany Mecham & Chelsea Pickering

2. Social Media Social Media is very big and powerful , it is a way for people to connect with others through using Internet and Mobile-based tools. Most popular social media tools are Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Most common uses of social media are to market to consumers, listen to consumers, and build relationships with consumers.

3. How do we start? – POST(p. 67-69) People – decide who your target audience is what they are ready for 25% of consumers in the United States participate in social networks (p. 22) Objectives – Define your goals. For example: listening, talking, embracing, etc. Strategy – Define what you want to measure. Increased relationships? Involvement? Technology – Decide on the technologies to use Source: Bernoff, Josh (2008). Groundswell. Boston: Havard Business Press.

4. What is the cost? To sign up for social networks and blogs are usually FREE in monetary terms! You do however taking on the cost of someone having to manage the media outlet through time and wages In terms of non-monetary costs, social media is taking on risk which may cost you if you don’t watch out for it

5. Facebook / Twitter / Blogs Which one do you need? You may use all of them. Advantages Enhances feedback Allows people to interact Builds relationships Increase awareness and visibility Disadvantages They are not regulated, can mix fact with opinion Shifts power to the consumers Source: Bernoff, Josh (2008). Groundswell. Boston: Havard Business Press.

6. Things To Consider Violating privacy laws such as HIPAA Once it is on the internet, there is an increased risk with slander and creating a negative image Once you begin your online presence, there is an obligation to keep your social media updated. You cannot take your time with marketing and public relation. Source: Scott, David (2010). How Marketing and PR at Speed Drives Measurable Success. Retrieved April 22, 2011 from: http://eleraning.isu.edu/moodle/file.php/7718/Speed_of_SoMe_marketing.pdf

7. Trends to Watch – Do Hospitals Need it? Hospitals are now using social media strategically and establishing an online presence as well as patient relationships In healthcare some trends to look out for concerning social media: Managing a social network Engaging E-Patients Convergence with personal health records Social media for providers Source: Sharp, John (May 2010). Social Media in Health Care: Barriers and Future Trends. Retrieved April 22, 2010 from: http://www.ihealthbeat.org/perspectives /2010/social-media-in-health-care-barriers-and-future-trends.aspx#

8. What Do You Need To Know? When creating your image, do not violate the 7 Deadly Sins: Unclear call to action Too many choices Asking for too much information Too much text Not keeping your promises Visual distraction Lack of credibility and trust Source: Webinar: The 7 Deadly Sins of Landing Page Design with Tim Ash (YouTube)

9. Final Recommendations As a recap – It’s free Make a plan using the POST acronym Regulate often Start small and leave room to grow/build We would recommend starting with Facebook because this is such a popular media outlet

10. Thank you! We hope this answered all of your concerns and gave you a head start on social media!