If you’re like me, the amount of social networking tools and programs out there can seem overwhelming, especially in the middle of a busy work day.
In a recent article I came across (ironically, through a Twitter feed) titled, “Don’t Let Twitter Keep You in Time Debt” discusses the challenges to investing time in social media efforts.
In addition to their recommendations that include 1) dedicating set time in your workday for Twitter, 2) following people judiciously, 3) utilizing the un-follow feature, and 4) going offline every once in a while, I would like to throw out a few more suggestions.
5) Determine your desired outcome for using Twitter (and any social media). It’s important to keep in mind why you are spending time on Twitter:
· Are you using it for personal reasons?
· Is it a corporate initiative?
· Do you follow clients and customers?
· Are you job searching?
· Are you looking for a new employee?
· Do you keep up on industry trends?
Each of these answers has implications on how seriously you should take social media on a day-to-day basis.
6) Determine how many social media tools you want to invest time into and the function of each one. Twitter is very different from Facebook which is very different from LinkedIn. Each of these has its place but may not be right for everyone.
7) Consider using a desktop or iPhone application. There are a ton out there that all have different features and tools attached to them. Many of them can link together multiple social media sites into one—allowing you to track everything in one place. For example, I am giving Digsby a try this week (so far, so good). (ExactTarget has an iPhone application that allows you to stay connected to your marketing program where ever you are.)
8) Look for ways to streamline other functions of your day. ExactTarget provides a great targeted email marketing application that allows you to arrange for automatic triggered email sends and easy email tracking. Taking advantage of a tool like this could save you the 15-30 minutes you need to get connected on social media.
Kyle Schroeder
Slingshot Summer Intern
ExactTarget Feed
Powered by Compendium Blogware
Comments for Do Social Media Efforts Require Too Much Time?