Ninety-six percent of Gen Y has joined social networks. Nearly half of Internet users read a blog at least once a month. More than six in ten small businesses use social networks to answer customer questions.
With statistics like this, you can see why FedEx has utilized social media – blogs, Twitter, online video, and social networks – to speak with our audience. Social media allows a large company like FedEx to act like a small company – interacting with customers in a personal, immediate way.
As a member of the FedEx media relations team, I tweet and blog, help internal bloggers create and manage posts, and handle other elements of our social media activities. I’d like to share five key points we’ve learned about managing relationships through social media, because I think the lessons are applicable to companies of any size.
Social media expedites your ability to intelligently gather information.
In days past, you might go to a Chamber of Commerce mixer and stroll around listening for a pertinent conversation to join. Now you can join those ongoing conversations anytime with Facebook, twitter, and LinkedIn. Social media provides an efficient and streamlined way to gather information intelligently and apply it quickly to your business.
Social media humanizes a company.
Social media is a way to personalize your brand and make it accessible to the world. A photographer’s online samples can really come alive with a blog explaining how she made a trio of young kids sit still and smile by singing a song. Simple things like that begin a dialogue, cultivating and deepening relationships.
Social media allows you to engage in in-depth conversations.
Social media uncovers opportunities fast.
Social media simply takes you back to basics
Social media takes work. But from the energy and focus has paid off by enabling stronger and deeper relationships. If you want to share some ideas, let me know -- I’m always ready to discuss, tweet and listen.
Matt Ceniceros is the FedEx Global Communications Manager of Media Relations. Follow him at Twitter at twitter.com/mattceni.
American Express OPEN and FedEx have teamed up to provide discounts and a comprehensive resource for shipping, office products and print services. To learn more visit http://www.fedex.com/opensavings.
OPEN Savings®: Payment must be made with an American Express® Business Card at the time of purchase; savings will be credited to your account. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Subject to offer terms and conditions located at opensavings.com. Merchant participation and offers are subject to change without notice.