New vs Best / Book Giveaway
A chance to win
(WORLD) We've been selling our little publication Zen And The Heart Of Social Media for a few months now and thought it was time for a refresh… plus a little giveaway.
It's really simple to enter—in the comments or on Twitter tell us: what's the best social media advice you've been given and why?
On Twitter please hashtag all things ‘Zen And The Heart Of Social Media’ with #zathosm.
We'll then choose the best few to send a copy of our book to.
"What’s new?" is an interesting and broadening eternal question, but one which, if pursued exclusively, results only in an endless parade of trivia and fashion, the silt of tomorrow.
I would like, instead, to be concerned with the question "what is best?", a question which cuts deeply rather than broadly, a question whose answers tend to move the silt downstream.
WINNERS
We had such great responses to our question above we thought we'd award everyone who contributed a copy of our book—here are the responses:
The best social media advice? Hmmmm oh yeah "go and play". Words of wisdom from Mr DK and Mr Mapstone! Do I get a freebie now? LOL
When being guardian of your organisation's social media presences, always write as yourself representing the organisation, not as 'the organisation'. And always respond to comments whether positive or negative. It's too easy to forget to thank people for praise, meaning they won't bother in future.
Steph
"Just leap in and start playing" by Steve Thompson of the Digital Innovation Dept at the Uni of Teeside. Its old advice, but it's the best as it's how humans work and not how people think humans should work. So it's effective and leads to success.
"Social Media should not be scary enough to alienate you, but it's impact should be scary enough to motivate you."
"think twice, tweet once" is the best advice (from me, to me)… because you can't easily take it back once it's out there.
"Think conversations, not campaigns"
"Use Social Media Yourself, First." from @spinnybarHS
best was to stop planning, stop worrying and just start playing with social media. Encouraged my staff to lose their fear.
Get to know how they work yourself before diving in as an organisation. If you understand how people use them first, you'll better understand what they expect from organisations on them and be more likely to live up to their expectations.
Best social media advice? "Unplug and move deep into the forest. Read real books. Breathe real air. Sleep." Does that work?
"Assume goodwill" because most of the time, perceived slights are misunderstanding.
If you could all ping us your postal address through our contact form we'll pop a copy in the post for you. Thanks again guys.
April 20th, 2010
The best social media advice? Hmmmm oh yeah “go and play”. Words of wisdom from Mr DK and Mr Mapstone! Do I get a freebie now? LOL
April 20th, 2010
When being guardian of your organisation’s social media presences, always write as yourself representing the organisation, not as ‘the organisation’. And always respond to comments whether positive or negative. It’s too easy to forget to thank people for praise, meaning they won’t bother in future.
April 21st, 2010
Thank you Matthew and Steph for your time and contributions…
April 23rd, 2010
Of course, I was just being playful with my response which seems either completely daft or ironic in this solid list of responses. Although I do stand by the response. Especially the air bit.
April 23rd, 2010
Christian – all good advice as we believe real life has more bandwidth as well ;-)