This document introduces social media and discusses its importance. It defines social media as online activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and sharing of words, pictures, videos and audio. It notes that a third of adults post weekly to social sites and 70% of adults engage with social media. It then discusses different types of social media like social networks, multimedia sharing, blogging and microblogging. The value of blogging is described as encouraging feedback, positioning your brand as an authority, and increasing your reach. A case study demonstrates how social media can be used for search engine optimization, engaging communities, and leadership.

1. Introduction to Social Media Sherrilynne Starkie, MCIPR, ABCS 17 February 2010

2. Sherrilynne Starkie Sherrilynne is a communicator, blogger, columnist and occasional podcaster, and is the Isle of Man's leading advocate and influencer in social media communications for organisations and businesses. She is a public relations graduate and has held senior roles in a variety of environments including in-house, agency and consulting. She is an IABC and CIB-award winning writer. Her clients have featured in hundreds of media including the BBC, CNN, The Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal and more.

3. Agenda What's this about? Why is it important? What does it involve? The 10 Stages of Social Integration

4. What is social media?

6. (It’s also a fancy way to describe the zillions of conversations people are having online 24/7 )

9. Social Networks

10. Multi-media Sharing

11. Social Bookmarking

12. Microblogging

22. Questions?