I’m so excited!
Keep posted to ME Marketing Services (here and on all social platforms) for something new and fun!
It involves Social Media, Emails and something FREE for one lucky person!
Can you feel the excitement?
I was at a meeting with a business owner/friend this morning about two different projects I am working on for two different clients and our conversation drifted to social media and the why behind it.
We all know that social media is here to stay. It’s changed how our lives function. It’s changed how business is done. To have a visual on the spanse of social media, check out this graphic:
Look at that! What business wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?
My friend and I talked about how social media is growing. His business does not have a presence on any of the social media networks (well, just a Facebook group he started). I told him times have changed. Traditional marketing and advertising has had to adapt for social media. You want to find your customers or prospective customers? Go where they are – Facebook, Twitter, Google+. Bring your marketing into the 21st century.
So to answer the question, Why Social Media? My answer, why not? More and more companies are increasing their social media marketing budget because that is where consumers are. In a simple click, your message can be retweeted or +1’d or shared on Facebook. Isn’t word of mouth (or viral) marketing best? User recommendations. Videos. Conversations with your followers. Times have changed indeed. When I come across a business that isn’t on social media, I have to ask them why. At this point, no one can afford NOT to be on it. There are tons of widgets, apps and such for your Facebook page. Enhance the user experience and gain a loyal customer in return. Here’s another graphic that should convince any business owner why they should be on social media:
Impressive or what?
Still have questions about social media? I suggest you read my previous post, “Your Social Media Questions Answered.” Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to find out how your business can find their place on social media.
October 29, 2011. EverBank Field. Georgia. Florida. THE Annual Cocktail Party. Georgia has won only 4 times since 1990. I have never seen us win in person. Georgia goes down by 2 touchdowns in the first half. I was expecting us to do our usual against Florida and just tank. Second half: Georgia comes back to take the lead in the 4th quarter. Gator fans start leaving half-way through the 4th quarter. Time ticks off the game clock…5…4…3…2…1. GEORGIA WINS! I take this picture on my phone:
…and immediately post it to Facebook.
How many times have you been to a sporting event (or any event) and tweeted the score or posted a picture of you and our friends at the game or a scoreboard shot like this?
Social media is everywhere – we know that. It’s most prevalent at sporting events. On any Saturday in fall, there are numerous Facebook check-ins from stadiums, play by plays posted on Twitter and apps notifying you of a score from a game you are not at. I often sit back and remember the time, not too long ago, we had to wait for a “Scoreboard” flash to see if Auburn or Georgia Tech was losing their game. Now, I just tap the ESPN app on my phone and I know immediately.
Over the last couple weeks the University of Georgia Athletic Association counted down their “Top 10 Social Media Moments” (my favorite is #3). The UGAA does a fantastic job with their social media efforts. I imagine we will see more “Top 10 Social Media Moments” lists from other sports teams and businesses. Mashable posted this great article on their favorite sports social media stories.
Just in this last week a football recruit for USC dropped USC from his choices because of backlash on his Twitter account.
With social media being “now” and “in the moment”, our sports experiences will be shaped differently from what they were a mere 3 or 4 years ago. We can immediately go online and bash our favorite team for a 3OT game loss in which the field goal kicker missed 3 field goals and the offensive coordinator went conservative on his play calls and allowed the other team to come back and tie the game. Or we can take to Twitter to applaud an athlete for an outstanding dunk or TD reception. It is all interactive now. Fans can rejoice or commiserate together. Athletes can apologize or announce. Teams can sell tickets. All on social media.
Is this good for sports? Most say yes. There will always be some who do not like things to change. I say it’s all for the better. I enjoy the convenience of having score alerts, play by plays and such right at my fingertips. I often have Facebook or Twitter up during a Georgia game just to see what everyone thinks of a play or complain about the referees. It’s all around and no going anywhere.
What are your thoughts? What is your favorite sports social media moment?
Well, we have one week left in 2011. This year saw a lot of professional changes for me. I’m excited to see 2012 begin. I hope 2012 brings everyone success, both personally and professionally.
For now, I’d like to reflect back on this past year with my top events of 2011…oh, and these are in no particular order.
1. I started my own business, ME Marketing Services, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.
2. Joined BNI – Business in the Boro networking group and met an amazing group of business owners.
3. Got my first client!
4. And then many more!
5. Took my daughters to Disney World for their birthday.
6. Saw my beloved Georgia Bulldogs win 10 in a row despite an 0-2 start.
7. Saw my business grow faster than I could have imagined in the first 4 months.
8. Expanded my knowledge of social media marketing through networking groups, webinars and blogs.
9. Had a large account hire me based on recommendations from the community.
I look forward to 2012 and the possibilities and opportunities it will bring. On a personal sales pitch note (sorry, have to put a plug in!), if you are looking at 2012 and not sure how you want to market your business in new and exciting ways and change up the status quo, contact me! I’d love to talk with you on how to grow your business with all the new media and social networks!
Happy New Year’s!
p.s. If you would like to check out some Social Media information for yourself, I recommend the following pages:
www.kimgarst.com
www.socialmediaexaminer.com
p.s.s. Follow me on all my social media networks!
Twitter
Facebook Business Page
LinkedIn