I’ve seen several posts lately about developing a strategy for social media use, and I wanted to throw in my two cents.

It’s important to use social media tools with purpose, not just for the sake of using them. These tools are sniper rifles, not shotguns. You don’t want to join every social network under the sun just for the sake of having a place in them. Use the tools that work best for you.
One way to determine which tools to use is to see where your target group is. Follow your nose and determine whether something like LinkedIn is more appropriate for you than MySpace. Example: if you’re targeting bands, hit up MySpace much more frequently than LinkedIn. If you’re targeting 20-somethings, Twitter and Facebook will work well. If you’re targeting families in their 30s and 40s, focus on a blog (linked with email) and Facebook.
While it is important to maintain presence on up-and-coming technologies (e.g. Twitter, DailyBooth, Springpad, Wave), this is more brand-positioning than strategy for using social media to sell or promote.
What do you think?
I had the opportunity to witness an argument on Twitter last night and thought it provided some valuable insight.
Excellent resource for entrepreneurs! Thanks, Grasshopper!
Springpad and Daily Booth are two very different platforms that are related in one important way: they help you bridge the gap between your PR and your users/customers/volunteers using YOU.
Social media provides a powerful bridge between your PR and your users/followers/advocates/volunteers/customers/clients:
gary:
Social Media = Business
In my book I asked people to email me if they wanted me to expand on Social media= Business and so I did, and here is it.
Social media is changing charity in ways similar to how it’s changing marketing — except that, I think, there is a lot more potential to get some good work done.
The proliferation of internet video is a great way for non-profits/social justice missions to increase their visibility and attract volunteers, funders, and advocates. Here’s a brief how-to that will help you get started with the world of video.