The document discusses social media and networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. It provides an overview of how each site works and how the DAR uses them to connect with alumni and donors. The document outlines dos and don'ts for using each site effectively as part of social networking efforts. Best practices are suggested, such as maintaining consistent, interesting content and responding quickly to followers. Resources for learning more about using each site are also provided.

1. DAR Social NetworkingAugust 18, 2009Noon-1 p.m.

2. Social Media-Simplified (kind of)

3. DAR Social Media OverviewWhat is Social Media/Social Networking?FacebookLinkedInTwitterHow/why is the DAR using social media to connect and engage alumni and donors?What can you do to be a part of the effort – dos and don’tsQuestions and feedback

4. Social Media

5. Facebook Fan Pages1000’s of alumni fans, groups, and network memberswww.facebook.com/RIT.Alumni

6. Facebook – How We Use ItNews feedPhotosVideosEvent postings/RSVPsNews and link postingsApplicationsTargeted updatesSharing informationCommenting

7. Facebook Do’sSet up your own profile with a nice photo – consider multiple accounts (professional vs. personal)Include RIT as a network on your profileConnect with the RIT Alumni fan page, related pages, alumni you know, colleagues and friends of RIT. Grow your network using the search feature.Create lists of different groups (i.e. RIT, high school, etc…)Share and pass along RIT-related information to these constituentsCreate your own fan page or group and encourage friends to joinExplore available Facebook applications and add them your page/profileCreate events and invite friends to RSVPShare content you think would be helpful to those connected with you. Keep content fresh and unique.Be transparent about your role at RIT-Keep it real!

8. FacebookDon’t’sAvoid sharing personal information that you don’t want colleagues or alumni to seeUn-tag inappropriate photosBe respectful and don’t post anything you would be uncomfortable saying in a public setting – or in front of your boss. Do not post confidential information about students, alumni, staff, etc...Don’t click on suspicious links or friend suspicious people – know your network!

9. LinkedInJob-related networking siteAlumni using it to connect with alumni by industry and location to find jobs

10. LinkedIn Do’sSet up a complete, professional profile with a photo and custom URL Be sure to keep information updatedLink to RIT as part of your employment informationUse the find friends and colleagues functions to build up your network. Search your friends’ networks for connections.Join the RIT alumni groups, industry groups, and create your ownFeed news, information, resources, and job posting into your groups.Post helpful content and start discussions such as related articles, questions, discussion topics – give people a reason to keep coming back!Recommend colleagues past and present – help student workers!

11. LinkedIn Don’t’sDon’t be an invite spammer – remember, it is a more professional platform for connecting with peopleQuality of connections more important than quantityPost professional links and discussions

12. Twitter1000+ followers2 main accountshttp://twitter.com/RIT_Alumnihttp://www.twitter.com/RIT_BrickCity

13. Twitter-What is it?

14. Twitter-Do’sCreate a user-friendly Twitter ID (@yourname) Example: RIT_Alumni or RIT_BrickCityAdd a nice photo and customize your background graphicSearch for people to follow – big and smallFollow those who follow youLearn the lingo – the art of capturing someone’s attention in 140 characters or less“Re-tweet” RIT links and information distributed by other RIT-related accountsMonitor people talking about you – set up search terms ex: “RIT”Know your followersRespond – keep the conversation goingTweet consistent, interesting content

15. Twitter-Don’t’sDon’t post the same content over and overDon’t ignore direct messages or repliesDon’t tweet several times in a row – gets annoying to your followersDon’t get caught up in the number of followers; get caught up in the contentDon’t tweet inconsistently – keep it up

16. Best PracticesUse your current social “real world” network to build your “online” networkDon’t be afraid to post contentUse Google Updates to send you content on a specific topicsDon’t be intimidatedLink back to RIT related content oftenRespond quickly to friends, followers, and group membersAdd your social networking links to your email signatureFind the time - Set aside 15 minutes each day to monitor and update your social networksAlways be on the look-out for spammersDon’t be afraid to ask me or anyone else questions

17. Great ResourcesMashable’s Twitter Guide Book: http://mashable.com/guidebook/twitter/Mashable’s How to Use Facebook for Professional Networking:http://mashable.com/2009/08/14/facebook-networking/The Definitive LinkedIn Guide:http://www.centernetworks.com/linkedinLinkedIn App Guide:http://learn.linkedin.com/apps/

18. Connect with Me!Facebook Fan Page:http://www.facebook.com/RIT.AlumniPersonal Page:http://www.facebook.com/rachel.pikusTwitter:http://www.twitter.com/RIT_Alumnihttp://www.twitter.com/RIT_BrickCityhttp://www.twitter.edu/littlemisspikusLinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpikus