m-musings

LinkedIN Groups and Twitter: a Powerful Connection

Since joining LinkedIn in 2007, I've joined LinkedIn groups, but had never known their power until recently; but I'm not quite sure that it became that powerful until it collided in mid-cyberspace with Twitter.

I was recently invited to join the Friends of Chain Leader group by one of the publication's senior editors.  When I accepted, I instantly recognized many of its members, mostly restaurant industry types.  The editor posted a discussion question about whether or not and how any of us used Twitter.  As everyone answered, they also included their Twitter profile.

What followed was that we all began to follow each other, and the discussion on LinkedIn spurred an instant rapport.  Not only were these Twitter followers instantly engaged, they were instantly responsive and resourceful.

This led me to a conclusion that two social media platforms are better than one, especially when the integration is organic.

L. Michelle Smith is the President and CEO of m strategies inc.  Contact us for strategic counsel for all of your online editorial outreach and social media initiatives. Follow LMS @mstrategiesinc.

What NOT to do when on Twitter...

Rule 1) don't tick off a reporter

Rule 2) repeat rule 1

See what happens when one marketing professional mixes it up on Twitter with a reporter.

Have an unfortunate exchange with a reporter or marketing type online? Let us hear about it!  Post your comments below, or tweet us @mstrategiesinc.  One thing, check the emotion before you hit send.

 

LMS Recommends Hollywood Tweeps that Rock

It is pretty cool that I'm following Ashton Kutcher and MC Hammer on Twitter and they actually respond themselves...but how about this:  ABC's hit, Sunday night dramedy Brother's & Sisters has launched a

Twitter for one of their characters--the oldest sister, Sarah, who has just joined on with a tech start-up "Greenatopia."  Makes sense that this character would tweet, now wouldn't it.  And to top it off, Sarah sought me out after two tweets about last night's show when I suggested that Justin and Rebecca should call it quits and that I'm hooked on the show.  Wouldn't you know that "Sarah" immediately followed me and sent me a direct message telling me "she needed to bone up on her social media since she was working with the new tech company Greenatopia."

Fabulous...my kudos to the Brothers & Sisters marketing team at ABC for adding a fun demension to their show.  

I actually think that if Sarah were a real person, we'd get along...and likely follow each other on Twitter.

 LMS

A special thanks to @kwesirobertsonfor the fly avatar!

Mad Props to Have A Heart Campaign, Miss Piggy & Today Show

@todayshow is capping the segment with viral video on Twitter, and it's taking off.  You'll see why.  It's FUN-NEEEE!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Why I'm a LinkedIn Snob

The word "snob" may be a harsh word, but it got your attention, no?  Actually, I'm extremely    approachable and accessible IRL and probably much too much on Blackberry and even on Twitter and other social platforms...but when it comes to my Linked In connections, I take the rules of this social networking platform fairly literately.  I only link to those I trust, who I know will grant my requests and for whom I will grant requests.  After all, that's the core of what makes Linkedin a powerful business tool and more than just another Facebook for professionals.  I also hide my connections.  Someone called me a Linkedin "elitist" for that move.  I actually hide my connections for the sake and privacy of my connections.  The Linkedin honor system says that if you do not know someone  and trust them, you are not to connect to them, but the deeper I get into the highest order of the Linkedin society, I have learned that not everyone is that honorable.  So should I leave my list of C-level executives, celebs, valued employees, editors, top brass PR types and about four Oprah producers exposed to these lurkers poised to poach, steal , annoy and mooch?  Probably not. I will, however, allow my connections to get a glimpse of my connections upon request, revealing my connections for a limited time and only during a time that I reveal to them discretely. And I still don't understand why a random stranger would think that I would accept their solicitation to join my network when I don't know them from a can of paint.

So the age old question answers itself.  Quality or quantity?

What's your LinkedIn philosophy?  I'd love to hear from you.

You can also tweet with me @mstrategiesinc.

L. Michelle Smith is the president and chief executive of m strategies inc. and knows strategies to help corporations grow their business on Linkedin. Contact the agency  at 214-741-2100 for more information.