The document provides an overview of social media and its importance for organizations. It defines social media as online conversations and discusses how social media has empowered individuals and communities. The document then outlines benefits of social media such as learning what people say about an organization, creating buzz for events, and retaining customers through personal relationships. It also provides tips for creating a social media plan including listening, preparing a strategy and people, engaging online, going offline for events, and measuring success through monitoring. Finally, the document lists pitfalls to avoid and resources for learning more about social media.

1. Social Media 101: What’s All the Buzz About?Nikki VoelzkeCommunity Relations SpecialistValley Transit

2. AgendaIntroductionsWhat is social media and why does it matter?Social media tool box Implementing your social media planPitfalls to avoidResourcesQ&A

3. Social media revolution

4. What is social media?Social media is a conversation online.Look who’s talking:your customersyour employeesyour criticsyour fansanyone who has internet access and an opinion.

5. Social media conversation powered bySocial NetworksNews & BookmarkingBlogsVideo SharingPhoto SharingMessage BoardsWikis

6. Social media has the power to shift fromcorporations and institutions to individuals and communities.

7. The power of social mediaLearn what people are saying about youCreate buzz for events & campaignsIncrease exposureIdentify recruiters to spread your messageGet your message out fastRetain riders by establishing a personal relationship

8. Start with the basics; listen to your customer

13. Jump inExperiment personally before professionallyTry a variety of social media toolsBe yourself, make friends, share

14. Make a plan1. Listen2. Prepare (people, policies, strategy)3. Engage 4. Go offline (events & promotions)5. Measure success (monitor and adapt)Source: http://mashable.com/2008/07/10/how-to-develop-a-social-media-plan/

15. PitfallsBe transparent and honestDon’t just push your message – it’s all about the conversationDon’t create a page and fail to maintain itDon’t ignore conversations about your agency/businessCarefully select employees responsible for contentDon’t delete or remove criticism (it will just make it worse)Admit shortcomingsResolve issues quickly

16. Resourceswww.gosocialtransit.comwww.mashable.comhttp://newmedia.hhs.gov/http://govfresh.com/http://www.whitehouse.gov/http://www.govloop.com/Connect with us: Website: www.MyValleyTransit.com Twitter: @ValleyTransitFacebook: Valley Transit