‘Social media’ Archive

Even in 140 characters, content is king

Who says social media exists strictly behind the screen of a computer or mobile device?

LAF_9575 - Version 2On March 19, I’ll be extending it into the real world, at a presentation hosted by IABC Detroit. My talented friend Amanda Lewan and I will be leading a panel discussion on social media.

Here’s the scoop.

IABC Detroit Presents:
“Content is King – How Storytelling Steers Social Media”

Wednesday, March 19 – Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Allegra, 47585 Galleon Drive, Plymouth

Join our panel discussion with Amy Lynn Smith, writer, strategist and contributor to Michigan’s Eclectablog, and 2012 Deputy Digital Director for Obama for America-Michigan, and Amanda Lewan, founder and editor of Michipreneur, an online community for Michigan startups and creatives. Amanda is a professional storyteller and her personal blog on Digital Storytelling is a featured blog for The Macomb Daily.

Amy and Amanda will share proven tactics on creating an effective social media strategy, how to establish a voice and a following, how to curate and push out content that makes the biggest impact on each social media platform and how to keep the “social” in social media. They’ll also cover how to
spice up social media promotions with traditional storytelling methods, practical digital storytelling tips and strategies, and tips for growing an online community from the ground up.

amanda lewanSounds like fun, right? I’m looking forward to it. Especially because I know this audience will value Amanda’s emphasis on storytelling — and my firm belief that the fundamental principles of good communication apply everywhere, including on social media.

The cost of the event is $25 for IABC members and $35 for non-members. You can register via PayPal at IABC Detroit’s website.

If you have questions, contact Nancy Skidmore via email or at 248-546-5490.

[Photo credits: Top – LAF Lines Photography; Bottom – Courtesy of Amanda Lewan.]

The State of the Union, up close and personal

It’s not every day that you’re invited to the White House for the State of the Union. It’s also rare to have the chance to ask a question that’s answered directly by senior White House officials.

SOTUPicI had the great honor of doing both.

I was one of about 60 people chosen out of thousands of applicants to attend the #SOTUSocial. We watched the State of the Union from the White House and participated in a panel discussion with White House officials immediately after. I shared my experience on social media live from the event.

Needless to say, it was a thrill. You can read all about it in my post at Eclectablog. The post includes a video of the panel discussion, where a question I asked about how White House policies can help Detroit in its efforts to rebuild is answered around the 16-minute mark.

I also created a Storify digital scrapbook of some of my favorite moments.

Sick as a dog but still wrote my blog

When I’m unwell, bad rhymes and tired phrases are sometimes all my brain can muster.

Clearly, I’m sick, to write a headline like that.

This is why I begged an extra day on a story I owed an editor today. I just couldn’t do good work.

But it’s exactly one week today since I began the National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) challenge. I knew it wouldn’t be easy finding something to write about every day. Coming up with ideas actually hasn’t been so tough – some days I’ve even posted twice, I’ve been so inspired.

But I didn’t count on getting sick. I now realize that I also didn’t plan very well for unexpected work projects, volunteering activities or other commitments. Or things like seeing friends, listening to music, reading, watching movies and, you know, having fun.

Of course, all those things are fuel for the blog, which is good. I’m almost always in the mood to write something.

But you really don’t want to read about my illness today. Honest, you don’t.

So I’ll just leave it at this: I managed to write my post today and now I’m going back to bed.