lindseyculbert

[lindseyculbert]

Client project Step 6

This weeks main focus for my client is developing practices for social marketing. I learned that social media ads and marketing is beneficial for not just brand awareness. It can be used to promote small one off events, or even just testing what kind of messaging resources resonates best with your audience. My clients social media strategy is to increase brand awareness along with increasing community engagement. This organization hosts mini contests and events quite often, but does not promote them often on social media platforms. One recommendation I am going to make is utilizing Facebook’s ads manager features. This is because Facebook allows for more ad options compared to any other social media platform. Along with more opportunities to build a target audience based on a wide array of demographics and behaviors. Facebook’s ads manager takes a business page step by step to create an ad for just about anything. Along with an option to promote a certain post or a Facebook page in general. Facebook linked apps, such as Instagram, can be used to create advertisements as well through ads manager.      

[lindseyculbert]

Technology Presentations

For the last couple weeks, our class got the opportunity to present on different technology pieces. I chose to present on the streaming device, Nvidia Shield. The reason why I chose to present on this technology piece because it stands out compared to devices that have similar features such as Roku or Chrome-cast. On the Nvidia Shield you can stream apps like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, etc. However, video games that are based on a computer base can be streamed and played from your tv. Users are able to do this from applying steam link or Geforce now. One major advantage that the Nvidia Shield offers is for people who enjoy playing games, but do not have enough computer storage or a proper gaming computer, this device allows games to be played even if they are not downloaded on a PC. Nvidia Shields gaming servers are also top of the line, which allows more opportunity for gaming no matter what equipment the individual owns. Overall, this brings more flexibility and comfort for video game lovers. Unfortunately, for people who do not play video games, the Nvidia Shield would not be the best fit for them because of the price.  

[lindseyculbert]

Client Project Step Five

This week, the main focus was developing best practices for my client’s social media content. One thing I learned from the Hootsuite modules that I found interesting is that sixty percent of content posted should be curated, meaning shared content from trusted sources. While the other forty percent should be original created content such as blogs or promotional pieces. The benefits of posting curated content is that it positions an organization as an intelligent leader that portrays unique knowledge, perspectives, and insight. Using curated content also brings diversion to the organization's website or social media platforms. 

The main social media platform that my client contains the most interaction and followers is Facebook. Some of the best practices I am going to recommend to my client are the following

- More frequently use Facebook insights to determine what sort of posts and the time they receive most engagement.

- Make sure posts are 120 characters or less.

- Original content posted with a large photo (315 x 600. pixels) because of how Facebook prioritizes posts. 

- No click-bate.

- Use open ended questions in captions to influence more feedback and conversation. 

[lindseyculbert]

The Social Organization

The main reasons why organization’s social media platforms fail is mostly likely from the following common mistakes. First, sometimes the organization focuses more on the actual technology rather than on creating a purpose within their social media platforms that create value to their followers. Secondly, some organizations do not understand the concept of mass collaboration. Third, mass collaboration is often used in a way that does not provide real value, and can often lead to mismanaging important information. Lastly, failure can be from purposes that are not compelling, that cause their community to find a way to satisfy said purposes. This can cause communities to innovate, which of the organization does not use those ideas to implement organizational change.  

In regard to creating an effective vision statement for social media, it is important to understand when community collaboration is needed or appropriate, being able to decipher when and where community collaboration is going to provide value, and clearly applying organization goals and culture is what provides direction and inspires participation. This process is one that requires patience, because “Developing a vision is a creative activity.”

Characteristics that are in relation to a collaborative community that will help determine if it will be probable for success on its own are :

1. Community Formation: if the community is identifiable, exists offline and online, and if the culture of the target community is already conductive to collaboration and social media. 

2. Participation Magnetism: A purpose that strongly resonates with the target audience. 

3. Investment Needs: The amount of money, effort, and resources that will be required. 

4. Management Involved: Figuring out where and to what level leadership is needed to align with long term goals.

5. Policy and Security: Assessment of social media purposes to evaluate potential for bad behavior and risks from members or followers.      

[lindseyculbert]

Client Project Step 4

This week, the main focus was customer engagement and reaching out to new audiences through social media. The main objective I learned from the Hootsuite module is that companies need to lead by example. Meaning, conversations with followers should be consistent and correlate with the brands persona and voice. For my specific client, up until I started working with them, their best source of engagement and marketing was through word of mouth. During this step of the project, I want to introduce the organization to more ways to build a community on Instagram, which is their weakest social media platform. To do so, using features such as Instagram stories to attract engagement through polls or questions, using Instagram TV to provide more detailed content to interested followers, and liking / commenting on posts that mention the organization because it gives notifications to the user. Another factor into the instagram platform that I think my client should introduce is small competitions. This is something they already incorporate within their organization, but bringing inclusion to social media is a great way to keep and bring new customer engagement.   

[lindseyculbert]

Client Project Step 3

I found this step of the project interesting to complete. The purpose of this section is to establish and create a social media strategy that correlates with the organizations goals, objectives, and KPI’s. To develop this, it is important to glance at the companies SWOT analysis. For the company I am working with, they are excelling in being active on their social media posts, but they are struggling with obtaining interactions from followers. Their specific goal is to increase awareness for their organization since they are locally owned grooming salon. One strategy I plan on suggesting to them is to create a branded hashtag for their followers to use after their services. Considering the organizations brand persona is more casual, friendly, and quirky, I think a branded hashtag can be easily and successfully incorporated and used by their community.  

[lindseyculbert]

The Legal Side Of Big Data

In regard to data security, it truly shocked me how much information has been hacked. That somehow someone was able to reach into the most sacred data such as health records and fingerprints. Businesses should be aware about what implementations and measured taken to provide protection, and that technology is constantly being evolved so upgraded security should persistently be invested in for improvement. One note that stood out to me was that employees of an organization can have access to such confidential information, so those employees should be willing to do whats necessary to prevent it. On the other hand, consumers should be aware of how much and how frequent they are releasing personal information out to the world. Before giving out any information, they should research and discover what security measures are being taken for protection and if the company has experienced any hacking or glitches before in the past. 

[lindseyculbert]

Social Media

Last week I flew down to Arizona, and while I was in the airport / plane ride there was one thing I noticed, everyone was using social media platforms. My first thought was “airports and plane rides are boring and time consuming so everyone just defaulted to social media to make time fly.” The more I analyzed people, I noticed multiple bumping into others while looking at their phone, or people just scrolling really fast, not really absorbing any information on their phone. This really interested me because there was less people actually reading or slowly looking their newsfeed. This means most likely people where mindless scrolling to have something occupying their time away, almost like a habit. I wanted to do a little experiment on the plane, so the stranger I was sitting next to was scrolling on his phone, so I started a conversation with him. As time went on, he put his phone away and we talked for the entire plane ride. So I really do believe that people mostly use social media for a distraction rather than for personal interest. 

Another thing I noticed was that the airport had so many different advertisements for different companies and brands, and how social media influences are constantly around us even if we do not realize it. 

[lindseyculbert]

With the knowledge I recently obtained and continue to learn, there is one concept I think I can incorporate into my own professional business blog. Focusing on my vision that I have for my future will help shape what content and avenue I take with this platform. My goal is to one day have a business of my own, and I can use social media to help gauge where to take vision. Being able to connect with others and gather information on what people are interested in can help gain insight and ideas. In the future, if I tailor my page with other business owners, I can obtain knowledge and insight over time. 

[lindseyculbert]

Social Media Consultant Qualities

In my opinion, I think every social media consultant should possess a range of qualities and abilities. For starters, each consultant should be familiar and know how to operate and utilize features of all social media platforms. Without this knowledge, how can an organization have faith in the work the consultant is trying to offer? Secondly, having strong interpersonal communication and listening skills are critical when trying to obtain ones visions and goals for their social media. The consultant should be able to prompt questions and ideas that will fill gaps or find weakness in growing an online community. Lastly, I think it is important for the consultant to be or have the ability to become knowledgeable in the area the client does services or sell goods. Being able to conduct research in the area of interest is key for growth and setting a foot in front of competitors.  

[lindseyculbert]

Social Media

This week we were given the assignment to challenge ourselves to stop using social media for a set amount of time. For this experiment, I decided to not use social media for twenty-four straight hours from 1/19 at 3pm to 1/20 at 3pm. I knew that this experiment was going to be a breeze for me, considering in my last post, I mentioned that I don’t really use social media. There were only a few instances where I found myself picking up my phone to check Facebook and then realizing that I couldn't. Overall, this experiment made me realize how much of a habit using social media is when we don’t have anything better to do. 

[lindseyculbert]

Louis C.K and Sherry Turkle

Both of these videos really resinated to my own realizations. About a year ago I made the decision to cut out almost all social media (besides FaceBook so I can keep in touch with family.) I made this decision because I felt so disconnected with life, and I realized that social media and the amount of time I used my phone was impacting my mental health in a negative way. I was constantly comparing myself, my life, and accomplishments to strangers. I depended on a materialistic object to fulfill this idea inside my head that I needed to post every moment of my life to people who actually don’t know me. Because why? So I could feel “normal”. We all post photos of ourselves online where 90% of the people that interact with it are just faces behind a screen. But why do we do those things? What do we truly gain from it? After I made the decision to cut out social media, I focused on establishing real life connections with people who truly matter to me. The past year brought so much growth and happiness once I ignored the fact that society labels you as “weird” for not using such technology. I really recommend to stop using social media, even if its just for a week, and see how it changes your outlook on life and yourself.

[lindseyculbert]

Clay Shirky

The internet and social media have become the fastest way to deliver a message, build connections, and obtain information. Which, I think is a blessing and a curse. Our evolved technology can pass along knowledge, which was what it started to be, but it can also make history, good or bad. Something that really stood out to me in Shirky’s video was concept behind the “great firewall of China.” Where producers of internet content came from professionals, information was given from the outside world, and information was released to the public in slow increments. Compared to the United States, where anyone can look at anything, anytime, and share it to anyone is what I mentioned a blessing and a curse. Besides the positive impacts of such technology, the internet has turned into the telephone game we played as kids. Where someone shares a message and by the time it reaches the last person, the message has completely changed. Where a stranger knows another stranger’s personal business, where people lose the sense of face to face communications. 

[lindseyculbert]

A little about myself, Lindsey.

I am a senior at Central Michigan University, majoring in HR Management. I plan on graduating December of 2021. Currently, I am living back in my hometown to take care of my family. My main career goal is to open my own business, which, you might be thinking, why HR Management? The answer to that, I think having that background of knowledge will be beneficial for the success of my future company. Secondly, I will have a safety net to fall back on if things do not go to plan. It is also a career that will also always be needed in society. Throughout this blog, I hope to create connections to help further my career goals.