Social Media: A HERO or VILLAIN

Social Media is increasingly becoming the predominant and a principal way people obtain their information. One of the main reasons for its popularity over a short span of time is often linked to its easy accessibility and high potential of being easily customized.

Scanna Bar: Retrieved on 12 April 2012.

In the start of the term I was reluctant to portray myself as an active user of social media. However, during the past four months I have learned how to use the social media as an effective and essential tool to portray myself and connect with people across the globe. 

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter prior to this semester were just sources of connecting with friends on regular basis and obtaining general information. Getting to know their whereabouts was the only concern I had. However, during the span of this semester; I learned how to use these tools as assets. The Facebook page build during one of the lab activities enabled me to represent my voice and my interests. Long before I became an active user of Twitter, I used to obtain most of the information through the news channels such as BBC and CNN to stay updated. After I became familiar with Twitter, I realized that it is more convenient to achieve same information whether I have an access to the computer or on the go with my smart phone. Even though some people argue that Twitter platform only allows summarizing the information using 140 characters, I beg to differ from this point of view. I believe it enables us to engage more efficiently in the conversation, and keeps us up-to-date. It helps us analyze the global phenomenon within the moment, and gain perspective of people across the globe.

 

In addition to these platforms, LinkedIn and micro-blogging also encouraged me to build a stronger network where I can follow people who have same interests. They helped me network with people in the industry; obtain their opinions and constructive feedback on how to build an appealing resume when applying for jobs. Before the beginning of this semester I interpreted the use of micro-blogging as not an effective approach to relay the information. But with the passage of time I realized that it is in fact one of the most efficient tools in social media which is capable of reflecting my voice, opinions and gaining attention from various employers.

Word Cloud: Retrieved on 13 April 2012

 

The proper use of social media has enabled me to not only use the information as a consumer but be an active part of it and share it with other people across the globe. For instance, the use of micro blogging, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn have helped me develop my interpersonal skills and improved my networking skills about ten folds.

 

Seo Wizadry  Identifies the basic sources of social media as well as works as an effective ice breakers when it comes to beginners. The source also depicts various platforms and the importance of how these tools can play a crucial role in networking and self portrayal to the general public. Use of these social media tools also encourage the act of self-actualization among general public.

 

 

The top five blog posts which I thought were engaging and most reflective to all the Social media activities are as follows:

Jacinta Lin

Lindsay Gervais 

Jasveer Brar 

Kelsey Rutar

Danielle Lu

 

Even though the beginning seemed brutal and cunning, towards the end of this memorable course, I would like to express that it was one of the most encouraging courses.Imagine no textbooks, no quizzes, and no exams; yet most challenging and engaging course I have ever undertaken. The social media tools that I could not use during these months will most definitely be used in the upcoming ventures of my life after graduation. 

* TO END IT ALL*   A big Thanks to everyone who I have interacted over the course of last four months, and whoever has provided constructive feedback.

Marketing Strategies & Social Media

Personal Insights:                               

For the free post I wanted to share my insights on the extensive yet effective use of social media by the multinational corporations. I chose to write about this topic due to my interest in Business and marketing strategies adopted by the global industries to promote their commodities. Through out the semester, I have been able to learn about various aspects of the social media.These social media tools if put to proper use can prove to be very efficient and rewarding which can improve the economic well being of the society, hence raising the living standards.

Background

Within the last century the use of social media to promote the products has emerged like a trend which has taken the world by storm. Social media has not only been able to promote a product among the consumers more effectively, but also played crucial role in stabilizing the economy and social welfare of a country.

Multinational corporations & use of social media.

 

 Circle Social Media:  Retrieved on 12 April 2012

Multinational corporations such as Ford and GM not only affect the economy by manufacturing efficient automotive products but they also have tendency to impact the political, environmental and cultural forces as well. Due to the globalization and development of social media within the past century it has become simpler for these multinational corporations to outreach the consumers and have a direct impact. For instance, the Perscommon use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube has enabled these corporations to execute flawless use of marketing strategies to promote their products.

One optimistic approach that Ford uses to promote their new line of  products is the efficient use of YouTube. This enables the consumers a fair chance to analyze the product before the purchase and create an opinion about the product. The constructive feedback from the consumers further allow the manufactures to implement any necessary changes needed to adapt according to the newer trends of the global market and  satisfy the consumers need.

Rafael Grillo on his blog (Marketing Strategy by Ford) depicts the marketing strategies implemented by Ford as a capitalizing event which not only renewed the company's pride but also helped the country's economy to emerge from recession. He emphasizes on the use of innovative social media tools such as YouTube. In addition, he puts forth the social media`s capability to influence people across the globe and make consumers aware of the newer technologies and environmental friendly approaches to improve the environment.

Apart from my free post, I found Kelsey Rutar's blog shared somewhat same beliefs and ideas about the communication skills being changed over the past century. She emphasized on the efficient use of internet and other social media platforms. Her blog also depicts the crucial role social media plays in educating students and providing them with a basic knowledge about various networking schemes to connect with the real world.