Build an Ark - Before You Get Social

Before anyone tackles this beast we call social media, it is important to have a plan in place.  While it certainly can be done on the fly - if you are wanting any sort of positive results from your efforts and well thought out strategic plan in necessary.  Otherwise, what's the point?

If you are a soloprenuer than the task will rest solely on your shoulders.  But, if you are fortunate enough to have co-workers, I highly recommend recruiting them and their expertise.

Gather a Committee of Experts from all areas of your company. 

Everyone has knowledge and experience in your company that others would be interested to know!  Put together a committee with representation from all departments; marketing, sales, operations, accounting, service and so one.  It does have to be the Director or Head of each department.  Those people may be experts at what they do, but could also have no clue how to be social online.  It can be anyone from the department who is willing.

Ask them to make a list of things they might be interested in sharing with customers.  This will allow them to get creative, but also give you creative control to filter what is being shared.  Then plug those ideas into a social media calendar - whether you assign them a day, a week or a month.  Give them clear deadlines and what you are expecting them to provide including number of posts, length, and images.

While the content is coming from a number of people, I suggest to have one or two point people actually writing and scheduling the posts.  This way your overall tone and voice will remain consistent.

Cheers!

Kristen