It is a new year and a new era for me. This blog has tracked my progress in the field of Journalism from the very beginning of my tenure. However, the time has come to take this platform (a rather holdge-podge of articles and memoirs) and turn it into something more targeted and mission driven. That being said, I am not abandoning my work...you will still be able to search back through the archives and find my early writings.
Now...the transition. Moving forward, I would like to dedicate this space as a canvas for reflection and sharing insights into the world of social media management. The key to successful social media campaigning (especially for a nonprofit) is the ability to stay abreast of the latest discoveries, and to make your own and to share them. This collaborative environment stems from Mark Zuckerberg, himself, and the Facebook philosophy of open information interaction. Instead of keeping his product a secret, Zuckerberg has attempted to make Facebook available to anyone who has an interest in exploring the network. The Facebook backend, templates, and profile fields are open to everyday users and developers, alike, to develop ideas and expand upon their platform as much as they desire. This democratic approach sets a precedent that allows for positive feedback, and sharing of information that leaves the user feeling valued and empowered. I believe that this cultural change does not discount the need for careful monitoring of social media sites and a continued effort for brand name protection, but it broadens our horizons in a world where a narrow perspective on life, limits opportunity. Well done, Mark.
For me, social media has been much more than the obvious; it is a huge global phenomenon, but also a trademark characteristic of my generation. Social media and the conception of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter happened simultaneously with my entry into young adulthood. The high school class of 2006 was the first group of kids allowed to log-in to Facebook without a college email address. Therefore, Facebook became our tie to home -- I remember heading down to Boston, equipped for college life with my belongings, my mini fridge, and my beloved Facebook account. They were the mechanisms with which I faced a scary new life at college, made new friends, and discovered the world around me.
This year could be a big one. As industry leaders predict Facebook to go public for $100 Billion, the network that boasts over 845 Million monthly active users, 100 billion connections, and a significant presence on every continent in the world, could have greater influence and power than companies like McDonald's, Amazon, and Hewlett Packard (NBC evening news). Seven years ago, the average American had no understanding of "social media." Now, everyone from young children to the elderly, have an interest in the future of the company. At the moment, I will not comment on my opinions regarding daily time spent using the interface or the impact (negative or positive) that the network has had on relationships.I will only state the obvious: Facebook occupies a huge presence in our everyday lives, whether you are a user or not.
In my current role managing a Facebook account for a large nonprofit, I touch over 1.8 Billion people everyday with my posts and program updates on our page. I continue to learn and grow with the industry and am often fascinated with my discoveries. It is such a thrill to discover a new technique or tool that enables me to increase our page LIKES by over 20 people a day, or allows me to share information through a fun, interactive feature. In the spirit of Facebook, I would like to share some of my findings...do with them what you will-- I'd appreciate it if you'd reference me (@CathMoore) when using my work. I welcome your feedback and comments.
Cheers #letsgetmoving!
