Social Media Pros & Cons

1. Try it because...

1.1. Speed of interaction

1.2. Create conversations

1.3. Build a brand

1.4. Cheaper than other marketing channels

1.5. Test ideas & get responses

1.6. Global & Cross-cultural

1.7. Limited regulation

1.8. Measurable impact

1.9. Cross-generational

1.10. Everything is going online. Unstoppable.

1.11. More accessible.

1.12. Find anything

2. More pros

2.1. Variety of perspectives

2.2. Comfortable social context for people who aren't comfortable face-to-face

2.3. Combat loneliness and isolation

2.4. Scaleable -- use as much as you want or as little as you want

2.5. Community-building

2.6. Breaks down barriers -- see anything without leaving your hosue

2.7. Instant stimulation

2.8. Research value

2.9. Advocacy of all sorts

2.10. Make relationships more efficient

2.11. Different kinds of media (pictures, video etc)

2.12. Instant alerts

2.13. Social stalking: respond to your customers/clients

2.14. Customer loyalty

3. Be careful because...

3.1. Speed of interaction! Hard to keep up in real time

3.2. privacy & personal security

3.2.1. robmyhouse.com

3.3. OMT (One More Thing)

3.4. Tough to be candid

3.5. Putting a face on organization can be daunting -- one person becomes accountable

3.6. Talking about bureaucratic topics in casual voice

3.7. How to respond to rude/critical comments

3.8. Senior buy-in/anxiety

3.9. Fear of losing control

3.10. Dealing with negative comments about your brand/organization

3.10.1. respond or not?

3.10.2. respond respectfully

3.10.3. invite critic into private conversation

3.10.4. show pride in customer service

3.10.5. try to rectify situation

3.10.6. make people accountable for their comments by asking them to register before commenting