Tag Archives: LinkedIn

Getting Social in Security

Marketing for the security industry has always had its challenges. After all, what company really wants to talk extensively about its security? Talk with any marketing, public relations or media person in the industry and he or she will tell you that one of the most difficult things is to get customers to talk openly about their security systems.

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons/Nan Palmero

Now, add social media to the marketing mix. We are talking about Facebook, Twitter, blogs and all the other social platforms vying for attention these days. Social media is meant to be just that – “social.” It is meant to frequently and openly communicate about a company, its products, solutions, people, events and expertise. So, it might seem that social media and the reticent world of security are not a good fit, but it would be a mistake for any tech-savvy company today to ignore its potential marketing power.

Social media is a way of showing your customers, investors, vendors and employees just who you are. It gives them a peek behind the scene, builds brand awareness and sets your company up as an industry leader.

I recently wrote about how we helped a large security systems integrator expand its digital media presence and take advantage of new marketing platforms. Whether your company is involved in security or any other high technology business looking at taking on or expanding a social media program you’ll want to read this article on SecurityInfoWatch.com. It’s a good roadmap that highlights the benefits of implementing a strong social media program and provides some valuable tips help you get started.

- Cindy

Brand Building is in the Air and Love Could be Too

 

A new program at KLM Airlines lets ticketholders upload their Facebook and LinkedIn profiles along with their itinerary.  Based on their profiles, passengers pick whom they’d like to “meet and seat” with.  While admittedly, this program is not suited for the antisocial traveler, it has my attention.

I asked my Facebook friends about their opinion on this since many of them travel. One adventurous friend and avid traveler liked the idea while another who flies internationally often, said he hates when strangers try to chat on a flight.   Another predicted a future where flyers would never be willing to sit with a perfect stranger without giving their profiles a good once-over.

Using social media to meet people isn’t anything new. What is new however, is that airlines have found a creative way to personalize the flying experience.  By creating this new opt-in service, the airline benefits by getting additional information about you: the customer (a marketing gold mine).  And who knows, in turn, you could end up meeting the love of your life or a business contact that lands you the opportunity of a lifetime.

This is a smart way to use social media for building brand awareness and customer loyalty.  Instead of just ‘tossing their hat into the social media ring,’ and hoping it sticks, KLM is actually offering up a new experience for its customers.

This new service will give KLM an edge over other airlines with competitive ticket pricing. I see myself using it, but as I have a ridiculous fear of flying, I don’t imagine I would be much fun for the person sitting next to me. They would have to be willing to deal with intermittent arm clutching, demands for a window seat, frequent bathroom trips and offer up distractions during turbulence…any takers?

 

Follow me @saraalisia

Networking in an Increasingly Connected World

Job searching – no one loves it but everyone must do it. Whether you are just starting after college or are a tenured professional, job searching and networking is a skill set that we all must master.

Now I know what you’re thinking. But don’t cringe. This is an opportunity.

As a new addition to the Daum Weigle team, I recently had the privilege of experiencing the challenges and opportunities of networking firsthand. Yet even after weeks of developing the craft, I realized that there is no how-to rulebook out there on the best ways to utilize social media.

Some say avoid it completely. Others embrace it without any sense of tact. I say make it an instrument in your growing arsenal for success.

First, we must recognize that our online personas are just as capable of making a lasting impression as are face-to-face interactions. Once here, we can start building our stories and connecting to the world.

Whether it’s a blog, a Facebook page, Linkedin or just a few characters each day via Twitter, tailor your writing and media posting to the type of people you want to attract.

Sure, you can protect certain aspects. Who doesn’t cherish their personal interactions? Just don’t hide completely.

Social media is your opportunity to connect with other professionals who you may not otherwise meet. Research your audience. Connect through similar interests. Layer your interactions over multiple platforms.

Start with the arenas that your target companies and audiences operate in. Do they have a Linkedin page? A Twitter profile? Identify what they are talking about and connect with them across those mediums. Then convey your story through what you write. Post about mutual interests and newsworthy topics. Initiate the dialogue and build those connections.

This is the world we live in and companies are increasingly looking towards the online world to see who the next great leader will be.

Whatever the topic, whoever the professional, don’t be afraid to tell your story. Just as you would present your skills in an interview or chat-up other professionals at a networking event, do the same in the online world.

This is your chance to make an impression. Don’t waste it.

- @Justin_Nunez

Are Males The More Social Gender?

I just saw a report that initially surprised me – until I read a little farther. Men are more social than women, at least on the professional networking site, LinkedIn.

Maybe it’s just my own experience, but I’ve always thought that women were much better at keeping up with friends and associates. LinkedIn sees it another way.

The recently released report found that men, overall, are better at making connections and advancing their careers via social networking. The so-called social “savviness” of the sexes was measured by ratios of LinkedIn users compared to the percentage of men and women in various industries. Really?

The report did recognize other factors such as job seniority and function could also play a role in the findings. I think those considerations may be far more important.

Who is more social?

Men make up 63 percent of LinkedIn users, making it one of the few social networking sites where they outnumber women. Only 43 percent of MySpace and Facebook users are male. On Twitter, men represent only 36 percent of users.

The LinkedIn study was interesting enough to catch my eye, but I really think other issues, both social and economic, account for the male bias in this case.

What do you think, are men really more social? Or is it that there are still more men holding top-tier jobs in American businesses?

– JD

Twitter: @jdaum