How to Start a Social Media Campaign: First Steps for Businesses to Monitor and Engage Consumers Online

How to Start a Social Media Campaign: First Steps for Businesses to Monitor and Engage Consumers Online

I'm in the midst of preparing my lecture notes and I chanced upon this article. It's a tad old (published in December 2008) - and if I've learnt anything at all about technology and the 21st Century, it's that the minute something's launched, it's considered 'rad' for about 3 days before it's deemed out-dated - but still covers the basics of social media and its uses in businesses.

I don't confess to be a tech-whiz (far from it) but I do embrace what's new and will amble my Gen-X soul through the intricacies of the tech-age. Yes, it's a slow and steady race and I know I can't grasp the clicks, drags and drops as quickly as the Gen-Yers or the iGeneration, but I'm not competing against anyone but myself.

And as an educator and communicator, I am constantly searching for ways to connect with my students and help prepare them for the working world. And since I teach Corporate Communications, I need to practice what I preach and keep myself updated with the current trends. Naturally, I do have a blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Afterall, I need to mess around a bit to get familiar with them before I enter the classroom, knowing that I'm going up against ardent social media fans whose lives revolve around these platforms.

So, kids (yes, I know some of you guys read this space to find out what your old teacher is up to these days), don't discount the advanatges of social media and how your career (and businesses) could benefit from these seemingly "fun" platforms. You're already social media expert users - it's just a matter of refining and retuning your orientation towards a more "serious" approach.