I find the best way to learn is “learning by doing”. Seems simple, right? If you want to create Social Media for your organization, you need to know how Social Media works. It’s funny…many people in organizations aren’t doing enough social media.

Here’s what I did:
1 – Created a blog. It taught me how much work it is to create content, how search engines function, and how to promote your content and create buzz.

2 – Train people on Twitter entirely through Twitter. Rather than a boring powerpoint deck, I created a series of “bullet points” that are all <140 characters so that the training can be delivered through Twitter. It’s a great way to do hands-on training.

3 – Read Read Read – I subscribe to more blogs than are probably necessary and have whole series of Twitter searches out there to pick up content. It’s critical to learn from others by seeing what others are doing.

Ben:

Great thoughts, thanks. I agree entirely. I’ve changed the language of my seminars and now call them workshops. Powerpoint works to “set the table” for the discussion and then we dive in and actually do it. That’s when people have the “a- ha” moment. Love the idea about the 140 character bullet points- genius.

Tyson – great post, but I am biased ;) In all seriousness you do a great job of extending the “2 minute drill” into some common sense guides. I also am a better learner by doing rather than teaching. Glad I could help and thanks much for the shout-out.
Best,
Adam

Great points. One thing I stress to communications teams is that you can’t expect to bring a brand into social media unless you’re there yourself – a build on the learn by doing concept.

I’d also add a point to your three about how social media is really hard work. It’s a great category with a lot of buzz, but there’s a lot that goes into maintaining a community, continuously feeding it with content, engaging with the community and turning the dials to deliver back to the community what it really wants. It’s making me tired just thinking about it. And, that reminds me, I need to get back to work. (PS, don’t tell Adam I haven’t read his post yet.)

@bradmays

Thanks Brad- yep social media doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to build relationships- just like it would offline, right? Promise I won’t tell Adam…

Great points! I also teach people that business applications of social media tools need to be handled differently than recreational use. I’m seeing a lot of companies throwing social media at their people and not really taking the time to guide them into an appropriate usage levels. People are either throwing up a twitter account and letting it sit dormant or they are sinking way too much time into it and are ignoring their other marketing channels. You’ve got to find the right balance that works for you, your messaging and your employees.

Jayna: thanks for the comments (now following @lillmissocialmedia)and the correct point that balance is the key. Social Media isn’t the be-all-end-all, it’s part of the package, and a good skill set and channel to learn and use.