Linking, Tweeting and Friending with the Pros

Three social media pros shared their advice for effectively using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter at Sterling Bank's April Women's Business Initiative luncheon:

Denise Patrick, Vice President, Marketing and Creative Services, Pierpont Communications
Steve Latham, Founder and CEO, Spur Interactive
Christine Pechayco, New Media Editor, Sterling Bank

This group of experts was quick to categorize social media as additional cost effective marketing tools to supplement what we are already doing to grow our businesses. 

Facebook was presented as a communication tool ideally suited for personal and business to consumer relationships.  LinkedIn was categorized as a business development tool.  And Twitter was described as a tool to amplify messages.

Denise, Steve and Christine agreed that social media communication must be relevant, educational and informative.  The goal is to increase awareness and ultimately move to a status as a preferred partner or vendor.

They cautioned that these tools were designed for customized two-way communication and won't work well if we try to use them to distribute press releases or overtly push products or services.  The tools will work well to spark interest, establish a reputation as a resource, enhance relationships and broaden reach.  When used effectively social media levels the playing field for small and large companies.

Though each panelist acknowledged the time investment necessary, estimates for effectiveness varied from 15 minutes to an hour per day.  Tips to minimize the time investment and maximize the impact included developing a production schedule, sharing content developed by others and using free tools like those available at HootSuite.com.

The experts were in broad agreement about the power of social media and each has a special way that they mutually benefit their networks.  Denise uses the business cards she collects during the day to extend invitations to continue the relationships through LinkedIn.  Steve provides a Monday Marketing Tip each week.  Christine is a prolific re-tweeter. 

This terrific trio helped a room full of enthusiastic business women to "Link, Tweet and Friend Like a Pro".