There is a ... Method to the Madness

Think big, Start small.
Strategize. Engage. Interact. Analyze.
Cha Ching!!!

In every aspect of the social media arena, you can excel and grow exponentially. Each of the four areas need to be considered separately and when combined, the results are astounding.

But remember, a Social media program is continuous and ongoing.

Like a life-cycle, your social media program needs to focus on the following valuable, key steps to continuously evolve and improve
• Strategize:
Social media is more than a channel -- it's a world unto itself. Consider your business goals, then survey the social landscape for you. Create a road map that articulates strategies for you to win in this competitive landscape. Set goals and targets so you can tie everything back to your key performance indicators - each time, every time.

• Engage
Get Engaged, Engaged, Engaged .... and then some .... with Your Customers!
Remember that when it comes to social media, there is only so much talking you can do about yourself. What you want is other people/and their friends talking about you .... and good things too so keep an eye on the twitter chatter. Create targeted content, hand out megaphones to your supporters, then help them turn up the volume for everyone to hear! Use the Klout influence to measure. Identify your Key Influencers!! This is critical!

• Interact
Be Creative to the Core!! Truly successful social campaigns are cut from the new fabric of social media, no using last years leftover designs and styles. You are the Chief Designer and creativity should inspire people to want to "touch, feel", "meet your brand", then "invite their friends into your home". Thou shalt be rewarded!

• Analyze
Always keep analysis as top if mind because the one thing that numbers give you is a reality check as they don't lie! Create a crystal clear image of your brand's social web status. Try to listen and unlock the truth in "twitter" chatter, this can be a unique and powerful tool to support you in your social business endeavors.

Quick step-by-step
• Understand your Social media IQ.
• Set Goals, Expectations and articulate target audience
• Ensure Executive Sponsorship
• Establish Metrics to measure progress
• Create outreach program(s) to meet your goal(s)
• Grow the Engagement and Community
• Measure results
• Apply lessons learned and Evolve CONTINUOUSLY

Most importantly, This is NOT Rocket Science. Its pure business and people sense.

Here is a little visual that helps articulate the key steps. Note that some of these steps are considered mandatory while others may be deemed important but not necessarily critical. The color coded legend (version TBA) differentiates between the critical and important steps.


It is important to establish a social presence first. Statistics below demonstrate that there is an audience that you can target and leverage.