This document summarizes a presentation on using social media for boards and associations. It discusses how over half of groups are on LinkedIn and Facebook but fewer blog or allow comments. Engaging members through social media can boost an organization's image and credibility. Boards should develop social media policies and focus on sharing relevant industry information and engaging members through questions and feedback. Setting up procedures, designating personnel, and committing budget and time are important first steps before launching social media platforms.

1. MTC Technology Forum 2010 CREA Conference St. John’s Newfoundland Social Media For Your Board or Association

2. Social Media Revolution 2010

3. Is it necessary to make a case for Social Media in 2010? Let’s discuss how your Board or Association can use it advantageously Half of group on LinkedIn, Facebook Another means to communicate to members Very few Boards or Associations Blog Making a Case for Social Media

4. What’s in it for your Board/Association? Information overlap is beneficial. Reaching members in the ways that they want to be communicated with Can communicate with public and other members 1/3 use Facebook A few use YouTube Engagement – let’s us hear back. Allow comments with approvals Image Credibility, backed up by stats, graphs, articles, etc. What about different languages? Use LinkedIn groups as a resource, Google Start a group or discussion on LinkedIn: Members/Consumers Why Social Media?

5. Consumer Focused Promote REALTOR Quality of life Events Member Focused Courses Events Everything Getting information out 1 Board had member-focused social media, no one else in group Are you there yet? If not, why Not?

6. Some have commented about Forum on Facebook Some allow comments on their blog (must approve comments first) Good way to get feedback People don’t want to be preached to; share Half of this group was on Facebook, less than that commented within last two days Keep it open-ended to allow comments You can control the comments to watch anti-competitive comments You’re getting dialogue You can alter your blog to make it clearer You have the copyright on a blog, make it part of your website Do you engage?

7. Gets info out only, no comments back Some good comments bring positive ideas Negative comments may mean your blog is not clear; reblog with more clarity You can control comments – don’t be afraid! Some of the group do not allow comments Do you Broadcast?

8. Need to develop policy and rules Handbook, resources are available “Be a source of the source, not the source” Education feedback “How-to” videos and blogs for members Things to remember pertinent to Advertising guidelines – make sure logos, etc. are there Upcoming seminars What information do you share on a member-focused site?

9. Have a concise, relevant message to get relevant comments back Pull info from newspapers, CREA, Regulators and Provincial Sources, etc. N.B. Always quote source Use open-ended questions and surveys to get responses Code of ethics, REALTORS Care info, forms in plain language – very useful and popular Post relevant info from other sources (provincial, local, etc.) What information would you share on a consumer-focused site?

10. Blog is the centre of it all. Use Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to broadcast the URL’s on your Blog. Use YouTube for how-to videos – yes Market Updates by Video from the President or Market Analysts… Your Tube videos should be under 3 minutes. “Embed” it in your website and post it on your blog and allow members to use that content. Facebook, LinkedIn owns the info when you post on their sites. Start with a blog. Make the Blog your center, then you own the content. What comes first?

11. Personnel, Volunteers, Procedures, Plans, Time Set up procedures, set up the permissions Commit to Social Media as part of your marketing plan and your budget Know that you must monitor all outgoing communications There is a time and budget commitment and you must be prepared. What is your commitment?

12. Social Media for your board/association

13. SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE

14. http://www.facebook.com/richardsilver