Question #1: What exactly is it about social media that is attractive to people like hotel customers? Why have you been successful tying social media into attraction of new or repeat customers?

The "social" aspect of Social Media is extremely relevant in any consumer goods or services company, and even more so with travelers. The hospitality industry is all about experiences, a traveler in a new city needs a bed to sleep in, but it's the service from the likes of a Marriott or a Hilton that separates them from Mom & Pop Motel XYZ. Building on that idea from an industry perspective, from a consumer perspective having that great experience then leads to even more social interactions as the travelers return home and share those experiences.

These days that means Social Media: users updating their Facebook status gushing about the great time they had on a vacation, posting pictures to Facebook or Flickr, and writing reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. From the 25 billion pieces of content posted on Facebook each month (http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics) to "over 35 million trusted traveler reviews & opinions" on TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ homepage), people are interested in sharing freely on the new Social Web. This is the reason why we have been successful in using Social Media to directly speak to the customer, travelers want to connect with a real person even if it's online. It's having that local insider's connection before they even get to their vacation destination who talks to them on their preferred contact medium, which frequently is social media. Focus on the individual as you remember the "social" in Social Media, savvy users these days don't want to speak to a machine, they want to use Social Media as a direct access to a real live person. Respond back to comments and create new posts using a natural, conversational tone to let your personality shine through and let the readers know that they are indeed talking to a real person and making a connection.

Question #2: What incentives or suggestions do you use to attract those who are reluctant to use social media to get involved and online?

The rise of the celebrity Twitter account has helped us get new users to "buy-in" to the idea of Social Media. Our new "Princess of Tweets," Sarah, was a little hesitant at first. She understood the successes we were having with the unexpected delights and making a connection with guests, so she saw the power of Social Media. To get her to fully onboard and understand more closely the dynamics of Twitter (RTs, Follow Friday, etc.) we set her up with a private Twitter list of her favorite celebrities that are on Twitter. By following that column on her Hootsuite deck, their was a reason for her to be interested in checking twitter and keeping up with how the entire system works. Replace movie celebrities with anyone from NASCAR drivers, Basketball stars, or of course the early adopter Technology pundits and I believe you will find their is something for everyone on Social Media. Have someone just follow their favorite people and ask questions about what RT means, or the proper way to RT for example. Use this as a learning process while also showing them case studies of where you (or others) have had success in the Social Media arena.

Question #3: In terms of social media strategy, what is the one piece of advice you have learned that you were shocked about or initially resistant to?

If I had to boil it down to one piece, it's to think long term. Social Media does work, but unless you're really lucky you won't be an overnight sensation. I think we all thought people would be really interested in what we had to say just because we were using Social Media. If millions of people read what Ashton Kutcher had for lunch, then surely they want to hear about mine too! Of course this is a bit oversimplified (unless you're a celebrity already too!), but also speaks to being relevant and giving users a reason to read what you have to say. It takes time to build credibility and a following, so don't give up if you don't immediately see results even after 2 months. Celebrate the small success such as slowly increasing the number of readers to you blog, fans on your Facebook page, or followers on Twitter. Use these small milestones as roadmaps along the way to set concrete goals which you can show others in your organization, and keep setting new ones along with plans to get there.

A blog post to get read by 500 readers may be a realistic goal if your last one had 400 hits, so now how would you get those extra 100 readers? Should you submit the article to a news aggregator like Digg or Reddit? Again think long term and stick with it, crank out those blog posts or tweets on a consistent basis even if you think no one is hearing you. When you finally do break through, now you have a history that users can go back to read about. The great thing about the internet is that nothing is ever lost, the blog archives are still there to be read by users months later and to be indexed by the search engines. The final word is to circle back to my answer to your first question, which is to make everything personal. Treat your readers with respect and talk directly to them, not through the dry words of a corporate PR press release. We turned the corner when we stopped simply sending out PR press releases through our Social Media outlets and instead began engaging with our followers. 

Connect with Zachary Long

Fenglong Photo
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There were probably over fifty people in attendance and each of them got to celebrate his life together. It was a very special experience - not only because of the hard work that everyone put in to make it an event built just for him, but because of the chance to honor the little guy in our life. Some people say he's a bit spoiled The pictures here were taken by David Teng Photography. I encourage you to check out his site and see my Facebook page for a bigger album!

Joey's favorite TV show is a show called Word World. It's an ingenious show where all the characters are spelled out to encourage word recognition in little children. It's a really great show! We bought large wall decals and mounted them on foam core. Then, we placed them all around the lawn. They didn't last long because Joey kept going up to them and kissing them all over!

Because Joey is 1/4 Korean, we wanted to celebrate his heritage. We set up the head table with picture books from his first year, towers of goodies to celebrate prosperity. We even had raffle cards for a little game we played towards the end!

After finding these gigantic favor balls and stuffing them with candy, toys and all kinds of fun things, the only way we could have made it better would be to build this giant gum-ball machine. Mommy and Daddy worked hard to build this and it came out just right. It was a huge hit at the party!!

A birthday party isn't complete without cake! The beautiful cake was gobbled up by the birthday boy in a matter of minutes. He loved every bite! See the Facebook page for pictures of the GORGEOUS cake!

Who doesn't love a chocolate fountain surrounded by all kinds of goodies to dip in it? We had to end the party on a sweet note and all these fruits, marshmallows, cookies and chocolate helped to do just that!

Big thanks to David Teng Photography for capturing the day in photos!

Question #1: Social media is obviously a large part of your job at Grosh. How has social media impacted your job in ways that you did NOT expect? What has surprised you?
Well I started off as one of two sales assistants at Grosh and I've always been the type of person that no matter what I do, I am going to do it with purpose, pride and passion. I also get bored easily so I was always looking for ways to make the consultants I assisted jobs easier and when I saw that they needed sales and the phones weren't ringing from the print advertising that Grosh had in place I saw a void and looked to fill it. I did three social media proposals and was finally given the green light.

From all my research I knew there was a lot of potential in social media but had no clue how quickly it would take off. Since I was learning for the first time as I was incorporating social networks on a business level, honestly it was just easier and less stressful for me to just be me, personality and all. I definitely did not expect to form such wonderful, true friendships with people that I have never met, I did not expect to get promoted three times in the process and from what I've read, I definitely did not expect to see a real solid financial ROI for Grosh Backdrops but I did and we have. Sometimes I think I just got lucky, other times I think it's because of all the effort I put into my work...but then again it really doesn't seem like work when you truly love what you do. I am fortunate to have a great supportive staff at Grosh. They trust me and give me the freedom to create and implement marketing campaigns and promotions as I so choose and I am not monitored or censored in social media. It's pretty sweet.

Question #2: When it comes to working with event planners, what are your pet peeves? What are the complications you find yourself confronting the most?
On a mid level, hands down, discounts and donations. Every week my inbox is flooded with donation requests. Based on inventory availability I will approve a handful every quarter. Just a heads up, if you are an event planner looking for a donation first and foremost what I look are win/win outcomes for all parties involved. The other major things I take into consideration is the charity/cause, length of the event and location.

On the upper level of the events industry I would say my biggest pet peeve is sponsorships for trade shows and events. Again, I look for the win/win scenarios and outcomes when considering being a sponsor. I just don't think that spending $5k, $7500k to upwards of $10k + is worth a 1/2 page black and white ad, my company name on a lanyard and a shout out over the PA. When considering the cost of the booth, carpeting, lead retrieval, internet, flight, hotel, staff per diem, giveaways etc, there is only one person who wins in this deal and it is not the exhibitor. Especially with all of the social media platforms at our fingertips...I just don't get why they don't offer more mutually beneficial sponsorship packages. I would much rather put that kind of money back into the community and industries that help Grosh Backdrops is a part of.

Question #3: In terms of social media networking and advertising, is there such thing as “too much of a good thing” – can a company overextend itself on too many platforms? Or is all social media presence good social media presence?
I don't think there is such a thing as over extending SO LONG AS, the person(s) running the social media campaigns are able to actively engage ALL the communities they are apart of on a regular basis. Every social media platform has a different audience with different wants and needs. I think once a person starts finding that "auto post" and "select all" button and updating all their social networks at once, that's a red flag and they need to reevaluate their priorities and go back to the basics...which is actively listening. I do get very frustrated when I see one sided profiles no matter what medium it is. Why on earth someone would sync all their Twitter updates with their LinkedIn profile is beyond me. To me that is like calling a company and getting an automated operator...I don't know about you but when I hear those messages, I just keep punching ZERO over and over again and frustratingly saying representative into the speaker before eventually hanging up and never doing business with them again.

My advice, always go with Quality over Quantity. It's the quality of your friends, fans and followers NOT the quantity that will create mutually beneficial relationships and ultimately create win/win outcomes. By focusing on the Quality of your social networks NOT the Quantity of your social platforms it is easier to actively engage and it is fun!

Question #4: What do you perceive may be the most significant change in the event planning industry in the next 10 years?
I think the events industry is going to start seeing more and more active "day players" so to speak take more control over the industry by creating more engaging mutually beneficial events, whether it be hybrid or virtual. I wouldn't be surprised if Second Life (http://education.secondlife.com/resources/) becomes the norm in corporate meetings, conference education and recruiting. I think #eventprofs are doing a great job on self educating and teaching and I truly believe that the future success of the events industry relies on the pro-activeness of the mid level. My hopes for sooner than later, I would LOVE to see event sponsorships become more in tune with the needs of the exhibitors and embrace social media because it's community and target market clearly have. The last trade show I attended, one of the key people running it, had no clue what Twitter or Foursquare was...Makes you wonder.

Lindsay Fultz, is the obsessive compulsive Manager of Sales and New Media Marketing at Grosh Backdrops, strict vegetarian/vegan, H.S Track and CC coach and addict of many many things. For the record...she lives the majority of her life off the record.

Please leave your vote in the comments section.

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Participant List:
andrewsmith127, attendinteract, BillyKirsch, BlissfulSeed, BrianHunt04, carrieferenac, Clean_the_World, conniepgilbert, dc2fla, EmilieBarta, ericlukazewski, ESIPAQWG, eventsforgood, executiveoasis, HBK317, heidithorne, IAEE_HQ, joyce_ma, justinlocke, kerriholland, lizkingevents, mexiaPR, michellebruno, MPITheresa, OccasionsMpls, Outdoor_Movies, perfectmeeting, PinkDeb, planetplanitbiz, POPevent, PYMVanessa, rheitke, roblcollins, RogLewis, RuudWJanssen, samueljsmith, The180Group, TheEventsGuru, thehubtalks, tracibrowne, TweetMyWedding

The Topic:

lizkingevents: Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Let's get started. Disaster and Events - Has anyone had direct experience 2 share? #eventprofs

The Definition:

justinlocke: well, define "disaster" #eventprofs
lizkingevents: @justinlocke I think to start, we are looking at natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanos, floods #eventprofs
justinlocke: i was playing a boston pops show once and the cannons were pointed the wrong way and pretty much knocked us all off the stage. #eventprofs

Our Experiences:

eventsforgood: I don't have any personal experiences to share specifically, although I have been stuck on an island w/ a hurricane 4 a wedding! #eventprofs
heidithorne: We had outdoor event in June that had a microburst thunderstorm that destroyed the field. #eventprofs
heidithorne: Didn't have a rain date since we would run "rain or shine." But with 60mph winds gusts, no go! #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: The key I think is 2 consider what u do when any disaster hits - so far I have seen SARS, Avian Flu & Foot & Mouth disease #eventprofs

Good Advice:

heidithorne: We are considering a Plan B location for next year's event. Anyone else have experience with that scenario? #eventprofs
carrieferenac: Advice for meeting planners in a disaster: Be proactive with the media. They'll love you for it, and you'll get exposure. #eventprofs
TheEventsGuru: always have contingency plans for natural areas, think through all what-if's...then dance, pray, sing , eat... whatever works! #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: when in burning platform situation, look at those that step forward = those that step back, them create cris mngt team #eventprofs
heidithorne: @TheEventsGuru Agreed! We're going to try sun dancing! #eventprofs
The180Group: @justinlocke: in high risk areas we always have backup generator power in case of power hiccups #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: crisis = test of the relationships... better be solid before the crisis... build + rehearse plan B #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: Look at the event from every angle of going wrong & start 2 work out contingencies where practical from there - #eventprofs
TheEventsGuru: I've done allot out'dr events, and planning is key & keepin up on man-made & Natural updates using tech! #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: ask for the crisis contingency mngt plans/xperience of subcontractors + discuss at pre-conf mtg..involve police, fire marshall #eventprofs
tracibrowne: remember...no one thought a tornado would rip thru downtown Atlanta... #eventprofs
Outdoor_Movies: Being prepared and having everyone along the chain informed of the plan: Management, vendors, security, everyone. #eventprofs
Outdoor_Movies: I'm also in emergency services, firefighter, and have seen many events where people didn't know the plan or how to execute it #eventprofs
justinlocke: may sound silly, but when I am doing something outdoorsy I will actually hire a witch doctor to get good weather. can't hurt. #eventprofs
BrianHunt04: my company has invested in a accident preparedness plan that we take and review with all hotels prior to program #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: when working abroad or with teams you don't know, simulate a crisis before one happens to test the strenght of the rubber band #eventprofs
eventsforgood: Planners should always have a risk management plan and a crisis management plan. #eventprofs
andrewsmith127: Simply put, events are an exercise in Murphy's Law... ask Zeus for help... and be ready to roll w/the punches. #eventprofs #eventprofs
carrieferenac: #eventprofs Someone just told me it's not about the problem... but how you solve it.
TheEventsGuru: Pre-planning will enable the best, & planning your response will save headaches later! Cmplete comm plans & actionable timeline #eventprofs
executiveoasis: Agreed. Clear emergency procedures are important for every event, incentive trip or retreat. #eventprofs
executiveoasis: For retreats with activities involving risk e.g. abseiling, we engage doctor with medivac on alert for the day #eventprofs
BrianHunt04: What i comes down to is being prepared on your side and making sure the venue is ready and preped. #eventprofs
conniepgilbert: pre-planning is so critical, but in some cases ur experience in damage control on the fly... may be the only solution #eventprofs
tracibrowne: we saved money by inviting the local fire department to our event to give kids firetruck rides and talk about smoke detectors #eventprofs
tracibrowne: Secret tip - Firetrucks have generators on them - side bonus #eventprofs
eventsforgood: First aid and emergency planning should be in the event program - or exhibitor kit. #eventprofs
rheitke: We call it War Gaming: Practice potential scenario responses. Prepare a Plan B for everything. Have the right gear. #eventprofs
tracibrowne: A key to planning is figuring out who on your event team is not prone to panic/is cool under pressure have them lead crisis team #eventprofs
Outdoor_Movies: I see new potential doing emergency management at events #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: @tracibrowne - Also have the right person 2 handle the media #eventprofs
carrieferenac: In a crisis... it's key to name point people. Who is in charge? Who is speaking to media? Who is communicating with attendees? #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: some actually enjoy the burning platform + far outperform on Adrenaline...others (u least expected) freak out in meltdown mode #eventprofs
tracibrowne: skilled in crisis mgmt - very diff thn reg PR RT @planetplanitbiz: - Also have the right person 2 handle the media #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: during crisis also have 1 epxert/person offsite that can consult/guide/maintain overview without onsite stress... #eventprofs
executiveoasis: We give our contact blank medical profiles (returned in sealed confidential envelopes) to bring to event & shred after. #eventprofs

Technology:

heidithorne: @TheEventsGuru Yep, tech is a lifesaver! Could have utilized more in our case. #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: don't rely (just) on twitter for emergency comm! whales up... #eventprofs
heidithorne: Problem with using tech is that some groups are not that tech savvy, i.e. not on social media (sometimes no email either!). #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: make sure users are not first timers with tech tools when asked to use them... rely on tried + tested (from user perspective) #eventprofs
heidithorne: So when you have a non-tech savvy outdoor event scenario, you need to rely on signage and other communication channels. #eventprofs
The180Group: @heidithorne: I find the 40+ crowd has little patience to learn new technologies like twitter. Generally speaking. #eventprofs
heidithorne: @The180Group Agreed! Part of our group is 60+. Very challenging for communication at times! #eventprofs
michellebruno: I can see social media playing a big role in handling a disaster and disseminating info quickly #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: @michellebruno - Sm is gr8 for getting the message out - we canx event due to snow & sm was the key catalyst - #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: @michellebruno if ur team geotags locations using mobile apps instantly u can map out where they->see http://www.glympse.com/ #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: Do SM & crisis mgt policies work together? they will need 2 soon #eventprofs
tracibrowne: We have to be careful not to rely on SM to get word out during a crisis, networks very unreliable depending on how widespread #eventprofs
tracibrowne: @lizkingevents we have trouble using mobile phones at bio & that's just because there are a lot of people there, network jammed #eventprofs

Insurance/Contracts:

planetplanitbiz: Crisis mgt is part of our knowledge base along with ins - so I see a lot of event disasters - last one being the volcanic ash - #eventprofs
TheEventsGuru: RT @eventsforgood: Did you have force majeure clauses in contracts? Yes, always try to CYA! Seen 2 mny cses where did not! #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: @tracibrowne - Many people still believe that it will never happen 2 them & only the savvy buy cover in my exp - #eventprofs
tracibrowne: @planetplanitbiz the cost is so minimal compared to the value...I appreciate the advice you gave me! #eventprofs
tracibrowne: Curious to see how many purchase insurance so they can give back sponsor/exhibitor money even tho contract says don't have to #eventprofs
heidithorne: @tracibrowne As a Board member, I am going to suggest additional insurances on next outdoor event. #eventprofs
eventsforgood: @TheEventsGuru @heidithorne @planetplanitbiz Did you have force majeure clauses in your contracts? #eventprofs
BrianHunt04: Back up is always key and FM is important to have in each contract #eventprofs
RogLewis: I have always carried third party planner insurance to protect myself in case of disaster and bad outcomes #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: @eventsfor good - I would recommend having a look at a Cancellation insurance (protects the money) #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: @the180Group - canx cover covers all those unexpected circs that we can't imagine - but contracting is gd 2 - #eventprofs

Supporting Links:

planetplanitbiz: Hi Liz - Take a look at this post 2 help - http://bit.ly/caMufK #eventprofs
lizkingevents: RT @planetplanitbiz: This was also useful for keeping the event going - http://bit.ly/bwPQSk #eventprofs
heidithorne: In planning ahead, I think it was @CypressMedia that directed me to the http://www.dryday.com website for weather. #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: @eventsfor good - Some Canx ins information - http://bit.ly/ctKB0K #eventprofs
BillyKirsch: Good video on Creativity & Innovation, every problem is an opportunity http://bit.ly/TLNFU #ASTD #eventprofs
RuudWJanssen: RT sorry 4 broken link again/ If u r looking for a good guidline for crisis mngt from IAPCO check here: http://ht.ly/28LDB #eventprofs
planetplanitbiz: from @mexiaPR -for event PR crises - http://bit.ly/cQvVEL #eventprofs

A Tailored Approach
As a reader of our earlier articles I know that you will be already making major moves to differentiate yourself from your class mates. After all, you will already have your business cards, you will know about the importance of networking and very importantly you will be thinking of you as a business. So you are you on your way to getting started to working in the events world. But one of the big questions for any student/new entrant is where do you go to get started? Surely it is ok to write to all companies that have some connection to the events world? Well, this would be a major mistake and a real waste of your time. I have lost count of the number of CVs and e mails that I have received that have a sentiment that says” I would really like to work at your company and I am great”.

What is the point of this?
These blanket CVs/e mails are just heading for my waste basket. I instantly know that these people haven’t even looked at what my company provides. So why would I spend my time considering this as a serious application? The truth is that I will not. Now on the other hand, if it becomes clear that you have spent time researching what we do, and discovered how you could help us become even better (see previous post – Think of You as a Business) well now I am interested. At this point I am also anticipating receiving your CV/Resume that brings to the front all the strengths that would help our company (no general CV please).

Breaking It Down
Now you might be thinking but I don’t know if your company/organization is the one that I want to be working for and that is ok as well because at the outset you have to break down your search. If you type” jobs in events” into Google then you will get a list of thousands so that wouldn’t be much help. So you need to keep narrowing the search.
Take a step back and think about what makes you tick and where your best qualities can be used. You could break down the big search into the areas of sales, logistics, administration, creativity and marketing. So you now have 5 areas that you can look at and if you say that you like all areas equally then I will not believe you. Everyone has one area that is stronger than all the others. It may just take a little time to work out which one it is. This will then enable you to start looking in your chosen area and you can automatically disregard the other areas. You are going to save some time and you will understand the scope of jobs available. Become the specialist and know the salaries and requirements better than your classmates.

Drilling Down Further
You have discovered that you want to work in events and you now know which area you want to work in so the next question is all about the company/organization itself and this of course means more research on your part. In the events world there are many companies /organizations that operate and they all have very different operations.

Some Basic Questions You Need to Answer

• Where do you want to work - Are you restricted geographically or are you prepared to work anywhere?
• Do you want to work for a small company or a large one?
• Do you want to work in an entrepreneurial small business with few people or within a large corporate?
• Which sector would you like to work in? Is it financial services, pharmaceutical etc?
   

Now You Can Start Your Job Search
If you understand that a blanket CV/e mail isn’t going to be enough, and you have identified the area of events you want to work and you have drilled that down further well now you have become quite specific in your job search. This is where this hard work will pay off as you will only be applying for positions that you are truly interested in (which is good for you and the employer). At this point an employer will be taking you seriously as you have taken them seriously. Already you have an advantage over your classmates you are no doubt wasting time and energy in sending off general CVs that are going to the best place for them – the bin.

Summary
This is more homework but it is exciting homework. You are looking for that job to launch your career. Many people do not take the time to be really targeted in their search but if you take the time and focus you will really stand out. I have received some very personalized letters over the years from students and these people are now fixed in my mind so already they have an edge. It could be that the company that you apply to doesn’t have an opportunity for you but everyone is connected somehow so you never know what new opportunities may open up for you. But you need to have made the right impression. Remain laser focused in your search and the work will all be worth it in the end.

Seven Top Tips

• Decide which broad area of events you want to work in.
• Answer the questions of where you want to work, what size company and what type of environment.
• Really understand salaries and requirements for your chosen search.
• Revise your CV to focus on the area of your choice.
• Research the company you are applying to and send a specific covering letter.
• Read “How to Think of You as a Business.”
• Spend time on this and remember this is your most exciting Home work yet!

 _______________________________

About Paul Cook
Paul Cook, Managing Director of Planet Planit, is passionate about the events and production industries. He is keen to raise the importance and awareness of effective planning across the industry. Paul already runs a successful business providing insurance for special events Clarity Event Insurance and is recognised as a leading figure in the events industry. Paul is International Development & Student Programme Director for Meeting Professionals International UK and Ireland Chapter, (MPI) the leading professional development and networking body for the events industry, having already served a term as President during 2007/08. He is also currently serving on the Chapter Advisory Council of MPI’s global body.

In 2008 he was voted Number 15 in the Power 50 of people making their mark in the events industry by Haymarket’s industry leading publication – Conference and Incentive Travel.Paul frequently guest lectures at Universities and Trade Shows. He has also written for a number of trade journals and his opinions are frequently published by online magazines

I recently wrote a post called "My Rant: Why Your Customer Service Is Killing Your Business" where I aired my grievances about David's Bridal and many other little shops that don't understand that value of responding to their clients. After posting, I received many inquiries from event professionals and friends wondering if David's Bridal contacted me in response to my post. I have not, to date, heard anything from them.

Now, I'm not a delusional person thinking that the world is tuned into my tweets, but it did signal to me that they are not monitoring their brand. So many organizations are so focused on branding their organization - working with designers to create style guides, creating strategies for their social media accounts - that they completely forget about the brand that is being determined for them without their consent. There is one aspect of your brand that you don't have much control over and means more to your clients than anything you can plan - the image that is determined by your clients themselves.

Continued on Icon Presentations Blog

On a recent Twitter chat, I had a brief conversation with someone who agreed with the former opinion. What he described was a person scheduling tweets that were comments about their day or opinions on topics. I had to agree, this sounded disingenuous. After all, tweets that share your experiences or opinions are assumed to be conversation starters. But if you aren't there when someone responds, it's kind of like leaving the lights on when no one's home. A fake out.

However, I fully admit to and advocate scheduling tweets that provide links to information. Not just for my own benefit as a time-management tool, but for the benefit of my followers. Scheduling tweets:

• keeps me from monopolizing the Twitter stream with back-to-back tweets
• allows me to establish a strong presence throughout the day by sharing one piece of information at a time
• allows me to gather the information and schedule it all at one sitting, freeing me up for other things including having conversations on social media
• allows me to reach different followers who are on at different times of the day
• helps ensure that I don't schedule more than one informational tweet per hour (the optimum ratio for getting retweeted, according to Dan Zarrella)

I use HootSuite to schedule my tweets. It also has other nifty little timesavers like a URL shortener and analytics so I can see which tweets got the most clicks. It also allows me to monitor lots of Twitter streams at once and I can use it to post status updates on and monitor other social media sites like Facebook and Linkedn.

Without an application like HootSuite, allowing me to manage my social media activities, I'm not sure I would even be on Twitter anymore. When you have so much information coming in, it's paramount that you avoid overload. And that goes for what you put out as well.

So that's where I stand on scheduling tweets. For posting links to information I think it's not only a great time-management tool, but it's also more considerate to your followers than flooding the Twitter stream with lots of tweets all at once.

For tweets that share your experiences or opinions, scheduling is not appropriate. It will only make you look like a poser - not a good reputation to establish.

Do you think scheduling tweets is a good or a bad idea? Why?

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Jenise Fryatt is Co-Owner and Marketing Director of Icon Presentations , audio visual for events located in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. Her blog, Sound 'n Sight , offers information on the events industry with an audio visual and social media bent. She is married with two teenagers (one now attends college in Canada) and has a background that includes print & broadcast journalism, PR, theater production and acting. 

Connect with Jenise!

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