I’ve had some discussions with architect friends and engineers alike on social media: is it worth it? There is Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (just to name the major players). I have a Facebook account to share photos and jokes with friends and family; purely for fun. I started a LinkedIn account at the suggestion of a civil engineer friend. I was asked to start tweeting for the AIA at the San Francisco convention this past spring. I think 8 months is a fair shake.
Facebook: It can be “fun” but also a huge waste of time, such as the game Mafia Wars for one (some friends/colleagues have blocked access to the site from their place of business). I’d say this makes sense. I set up a group (Tribe Artemis Circle) to discuss women in professional occupations (e.g., architects, engineers) and the challenges that may be unique to women and how we can share ideas/thoughts to a) work better, b) have fun, and c) have a life. I’m living this topic so it blurs the line between “work” and “not work.” However, I have an architect/friend who set up the firm as a group and has a page specifically for the office; this is in addition to a very well done web site. I don’t really understand the “how” or “so what” to this application; unless you consider the interface with Twitter.
Verdict: It's just for fun.
Twitter: Twitter has some new cross-overs to others such as Facebook, allowing someone to mobile post to both locations. More of the same I think. My friend did explain to me that he can pose questions with special markers which his followers and groups of followers can see and possibly give him a speedy response (e.g., if you’re looking for a specific kind of insulation material). This makes sense, especially when our work environments may be becoming decentralized or isolated.
Verdict: It's useful if you work their system.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn offers professional resources; most folks don’t post personal items, which is fairly good. My direct experience is my updates get read by my connections; I get lots of comments, some of which are offers to help—but typically when I already have a relationship with the person (e.g., allied professionals who met because our kids to go school together). I did spend some time to sign up for groups or organizations and have made great use of posing questions and getting a wide variety of responses. I especially like the ability to tailor how/when I get what kinds of newsletters and updates. LinkedIn has been very helpful to my practice.
Verdict: a keeper.
So, I’m wondering if I’m in left field with this analysis or if you folks are finding the same results. I can’t help but think of a quote I heard a while ago (Glenn Beck, I think) on blogging, “Never in the history of man have so many people said so much in less words to so many people who aren’t listening." Blog on, dudes.
—Lisa Stacholy, AIA
Comments (3)
I use LinkedIn and Facebook. Mostly my Facebook is for personal/fun use. But I have also created a 'Page' in FB for my business and run ads in FB targeting specific groups of people. The ads link to my website though (the page is just extra right now). I get a lot of hits through this and I only pay for people that actually go to my website (called PPC - pay per click). I also did some Google ads using PPC but I get a lot of calls and emails from people that want to sell their services to me (so I am paying when they click that link). My ads on facebook seem to only be attracting real people. I have not received business from this directly (that I know of) but I still think it is a good way of marketing yourself if you are seeking residential clients. LinkedIn I have found useful for keeping in touch with other people in my profession, but I have not found it useful for developing my business. The one exception would be that I have a bunch of testimonials on there from people that have hired me or worked with me in the past. This is wonderful and I am waiting for the opportunity to make this information 'public' (to people not in my network) so that people interested in me can see these comments. I do not have my website setup to post comments so anything up there would be pasted by me (who trusts that - exception when I have a client that is okay with me listing their name, title and company).
The best use for Twitter or FB might possibly be if you write frequent blogs or even quick 'tips' that specific clients of yours who use these media could receive. For example Lisa Stacholy could post a link to this blog every time she has a new posting. The key would be having the right target audience linking/following/friending you. Note that a lot of blogs offer a subscription service already but I don't know how many people use that feature.
Posted by Tom Fallon | November 19, 2009 6:36 PM
Posted on November 19, 2009 18:36
Social media presents a lot of opportunities for personal and professional gain, but it all depends on how you use it. You can choose to limit the social media tools to just personal contacts or just professional ones – or you can choose to connect with both, since the lines between the two are becoming increasingly blurred.
All of the tools out there, from Facebook and Twitter to Digg and YouTube and beyond, are ways of connecting with people. You can use social media to not only share information, but also receive it and process it in order to have a discussion with people – it’s about having a two-way conversation.
Looking at it from an HR perspective within the architecture world, I definitely see social media as a way to attract and retain top talent, to connect with potential clients and to position members of our firm as knowledge leaders in our industry.
I think it’s time we get out there and embrace social media and encourage others to do the same.
Posted by Mike Kohn | November 19, 2009 2:42 PM
Posted on November 19, 2009 14:42
I am a little unclear on whether or not you are for or against social media? In some ways you are questioning it, but at the same time you seem to be actively involved. Coming from the PR side of things (and currently working for the architecture firm SmithGroup) I think there are a variety of reasons why our industry should be involved in this new realm of promotion. I will share a few of my favorite reasons with you, although, I have a small suspicion that you are on the same page as I am.
1. We can position our firm as thought and knowledge leaders through blogs, comments, tweets, etc.
2. Now, we don’t always have to wait for the press to pick up our stories and news. Should we want to push the information out today, we can do that via blogs, twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, our website. I don’t think this diminishes the importance of traditional media and they will remain a LARGE part of our publicity and communication plans, but Social Media just gives us another avenue.
3. Social Media can also enhance internal communication, like your friend who has a FB page for her firm and office. This can lead to an enhanced brand, employee trust, knowledge sharing and community.
I think the results are hard to gauge with social media being so new (especially in this industry), but I do believe that it is and will be a great tool. It also doesn’t look like it is disappearing anytime soon, so why not learn to embrace it.
Posted by Vanessa Cornell | November 19, 2009 12:10 PM
Posted on November 19, 2009 12:10