Communities, Connecting & Contributing
Copyright 2009 Michael Driehorst/Diamond Communications

“Social media are primarily Internet- and mobile-
based tools for sharing and discussing
information, [pictures, video, audio, etc.]. The
term most often refers to activities that integrate
technology, telecommunications and social
interaction.”
-Wikipedia

Being “online” more and more is being the norm
U.S. total population approx. 305 million

Percent of online population using social media:
2008: 41%
2012/2013: 52%

Most of activity in communities: social networks
Source: eMarketer, January 2009

Variety of social media communities
Three among most common:
 Blogs
 Social Networks
 Discussion boards

Weblogs or Blogs
Any kind of diary published on the World-Wide
Web, usually written by an individual (a
\"blogger\") but also by corporate bodies.
Blogging is regarded by some as an important
social phenomenon as it contributes to the
easy exchange of ideas among a large and
growing international community (\"the
blogosphere\").
-Dictionary.com

Source: Technorati, State of the
Blogosphere, April 2008

Who’s blogging?
Source: Technorati, State of the
Blogosphere, April 2008

Social networks
“A social network service focuses on building
online communities of people who share
interests and/or activities, or who are interested
in exploring the interests and activities of others.
Most social network services are web based and
provide a variety of ways for users to
interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging
services.”
-Wikipedia

But how?

What’s
going
on
Basic
info

Combine
personal &
professional
information
Your
network of
personal, pr
ofessional
“friends”

Discussion boards
“A Web site component that enables users to
participate in topics of discussion by posting and
replying to comments.”
-Microsoft TechNet

Any one can
join and start
a discussion
thread …

and other members can comment

Communities, Connecting & Contributing
 Ultimately, social media is NOT about
technology, websites or tools
 It IS about being part of online
communities, connecting with others to
contribute information, assistance, etc.

But how?

Seeking advice from peers
“I’ve decided on using glass
bottles, and wondered if
anyone had any tips….”

Customer Service
Many people with
a blog voice
opinions about
companies,
products, service.

Customer Service
Companies
monitor &
respond –
in full view of
community

Customer Service
Person updates –
positive and negative
to community.
More opportunity for
customer feedback

Business Promotion

Even traditional media getting social
Building
community,
pushing
stories by
various
feeds

Even traditional media getting social
Readers can share
story with their network
Site visitors can
contribute to story

Communities, Connecting & Contributing
 Ultimately, social media is… about being part of
communities to connect with others and
contribute to the greater community.
 As you – as a person, business, association –
become connected with community, you
understand how to best serve community.