Social media allows for word-of-mouth communication on a larger scale. It is an ongoing change in communication that requires strategy and expert guidance. Participating in social media can help businesses develop promoters, perform product research, build their brand, and engage with customers directly while demonstrating thought leadership in their industry.

2. Social Media: Word Of Mouth on Steroids Social Media is: A permanent change in communications Good strategy first and tactics second A good place to use an expert guide Tweeting? Use #HeliSM

3. It’s happening now! Patty - Feb 11, 2010 LOL... what have we started here ...I burn 2600 calories a day and eat 1600 calories a day. If I walk the dog for 2 miles and then workout for about an hour and a half (40 mins cardio; the rest resistance training) I can usually hit my target. I really like the nutrition tracker on the Apex website, it shows me how many calories are from fat, protein, carbs, fiber, cholesterol, etc. I didn't realize how much fat I was eating -- I now have it under control. I'll be interested to see what my cholesterol is at my next physical. Michelle - Feb 12, 2010 Oh no. I want one. I was hoping I wouldn't want one, but I want one. How long have you had your's Patty? I'm going to wait four weeks and see if Maggie and Suzanne are still using theirs. I'm too quick to buy this stuff and then it sits in the closet after two weeks. Maggie - Feb 12, 2010 Michelle, seriously...its right up your alley. With the computer charting and graphs and technical stuff. I love it. It makes me walk more and be more active to see where my calorie burn is at. Get one.

4. We’ve come a long way, baby. community mail telephone radio television email SOCIAL MEDIA brings us back to the basics. The online world mimics WOM conversation.

5. “ It’s not about using new media. It’s about using media in new ways.” - Dr. Craig Lefebure, Social Shifting Expert

6. Categories Social Networking FaceBook LinkedIn DirectMatches Ryze Crowdvines Social Bookmarking Technorati Propeller Digg Reddit StumbleUpon Content Sharing Hubpages Squidoo EzineArticles Gather Media Sharing GoogleVideo YouTube SlideShare Blog Platforms Wordpress MovableType Blogger RSS Feeds Google Reader

7. Social Networking Online communities of people who share interests and /or activities The naturally viral nature of these online social networks can be used promote your business. Objectives can include: Developing promoters Product research Public Relations Finding collaborators Developing your brand Positioning yourself, company or product

8. The Emotional Element Deep connection with worldview content creates meaningful bonds Individuals interact with ideals and beliefs they understand Memes are the gateway to social evolution

9. Tweeters are everywhere. The SOCIAL MEDIA revolution is NOW. Monitor, shape and participate in the conversation about your brand.

10. Social media must be part of a comprehensive communications plan. Avoid the “shiny new object syndrome” Demonstrate planned participation Stay on top of your social media and run interference

11. What are the implications? Skittles - no strategy Nestle - tried to control its community Toyota - immature content and lack of monitoring Learn from other’s mistakes.

12. How To Use: Define your audience, locate your potential customers, build a social relationship Do Not overtly promote brand or website Think listen and share “ help” with “how to”, “why”, examples, opinions on business topics Try to make connections between something new and something readers may know Be yourself, be human, be humble

13. Why It’s Cool Adds a human element (you) to your business or product A way to engage with customers directly but informally It’s relatively simple to execute Helps generate traffic for your website Creates buzz around your website, product or service or brand Creates inbound links to your website for search engine ranking benefit Can build or reinforce credibility in the marketplace Can position you and/or company as a “thought leader” relatively cost effectively

14. Start with a Strategy Who is your audience? Target market, age, demographics Where are they? Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, Youtube, Flicker, LinkedIn, Wordpress What do you want to accomplish? Website traffic, call to action, share information, offer input How will you respond? Negativity, security issues, overzealous fans What will you say? Reliable, relevant, consistent, compelling

15. Use Social Media on a Personal Level Don’t get overwhelmed Have fun with it! Listen, talk, improvise Maintain your presence

16. Important things to consider Understand Safety, Security and Appropriateness Have a plan and designate users An abandoned presence is worse than no presence Be aware of the unspoken rules Social media is fluid and constantly changing Learn about and use the tools most suited for YOU. Social media monitoring can become a full-time job.

17. Get results for your business Analytic Tools Free or paid Content must be: Reliable Relevant Consistent Compelling Inbound Marketing Linkbacks = Results

18. Social Media Innovative uses to reach your audience Helps Demonstrate Thought Leadership Helps Position Your Company Develop promoters/mavens/connectors Helps Assess Changing Needs of Constituents Can Perform Product Research Increase business

19. Get ready to grow your business using social media.

20. Need more help? Heligonix can serve as your social media guide. Speak with me after the presentation.

21. Thank You