This document provides an overview of social media and how to effectively use social media platforms. It defines social media as web-based technologies that allow for interactive communication. The key benefits of social media outlined are that it allows you to engage existing audiences and build communities. The document then provides guidance on developing a social media plan with goals in mind and selecting the appropriate platforms to participate on. Metrics for measuring success and best practices for engaging on social media successfully are also summarized.

1. Creating a ‘Buzz’ with Social Media Lori Greiner, Communications Manager, @lgreiner Michael Sutphin, Writer, @michaelsutphin VESA Conference, May 18, 2011

2. Overview What is social media? Why be social? How do you start? How do I know if it is working? What are the rules of engagement? Where do I go from here?

4. What is Social Media? Social media is the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue. -Wikipedia

6. Why be social? It is where everyone is. Build community and engage your audience. Social media is the new local It is no longer about talking, it is about conversing. To assist you professionally.

7. How do you start? Social media is a tool not a strategy. Develop a plan with a goal mind. Select the appropriate media. Participate.

8. Launched February 2004 More than 600 million members All-in-one social networking service (profiles, events, photos, etc.) Building conversations through status updates, comments, and “likes” Pages vs. groups

11. Microblogging site launched July 2006 An estimated 200 million members Messages, called tweets, of 140 characters or less Join conversations through replies (@), retweets (RT), and hashtags (#)

13. Video sharing site launched February 2005 Purchased by Google November 2006 Anyone may watch videos, and registered users may upload unlimited videos Channels allow users to create video blogs

16. How do I know if it is working? Facebook Insights Measure click-throughs- track links bit.ly Measure retweets and mentions Measure feedback Monitor global discussion and sentiment

18. How to Be Successful Post regularly with high quality content Use visuals Ask questions Master one tool at a time

19. What are the Rules of Engagement Be transparent Be accurate Be mindful Be respectful

20. Resources Beginners Guide to Social Media in Extension http://collaborate.extension.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide_to_Social_Media_in_Extension Virginia Tech Social Media – Guidelines and Procedures http://www.unirel.vt.edu/web/social-networks/index.html

21. Where to Find Us http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaCooperativeExtension http://twitter.com/vce_news http://www.facebook.com/vtagricultureandlifesciences http://twitter.com/VTAgLifeSci