We Move Issues

Display of Information

In an age of growing media interaction outlets, and the ever expanding availability of information, the rules of etiquette are beginning to take shape. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools enable personal relationships to be maintained between people hundreds of miles apart. Despite the convenience of reconnecting with distant friends and family, issues are arising over the display of personal information. As social media becomes more accepted and grounded in society, use caution and always obtain consent before exposing yourself and others to the world.

Social Media's Crisis Communication Potential

The role of social media is ever evolving. Businesses have now started using the media outlet as a tool to avert potential public relations problems. Firms are beginning to monitor Twitter messages and Facebook posts to keep an eye out for any customer dissatisfaction and respond to any problems. Crisis communication is extremely important, as large firms have begun teaching staffers how to represent the company within new media platforms.

Businesses Looking Towards Twitter

As President Obama popularized during his presidential campaign, social media has become a very effective tool for communicating a message, or even advertising a business. Companies have become very aware and attracted to the potential a social networking site, such as Twitter, possesses. Businesses are able to communicate directly consumers to build loyal support and locate unique markets to gear operations towards. The simplicity and benefits of social media has allowed anyone to utilize it.

Building Grassroots Support

Websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have catalyzed a change in political campaigns to include a new and fundamental component, social media. Campaigns all across the country have incorporated the most efficient way to communicate with constituents and display the latest information.  A free and quick way to instantly connect with thousands of people is too good to pass up, and essential in order to stay up-to-date.

Domino's Pizza Experiences Power of Social Media First Hand

A mindless stunt by two Domino's Pizza employees, now former employees, has taught the pizza maker the power of social media. The former employees posted a video on YouTube of themselves putting sandwich cheese  up a nostril, spreading nasal mucus on a sandwich about to be delivered and various other disgusting acts. The video and its lightning-fast proliferation across the Web, fueled by sites social networking sites like Twitter, created a public relations nightmare that Dominos is still experiencing.

The company took smart steps in issuing a video response and setting up an account on Twitter to monitor the discussion and perform damage control.  However, the damage has been done and confidence in Domino's has likely been shaken for many of their loyal, up-to-now happy customers.

The Web now allows one person's actions to be instantly broadcast to millions of people. That can be  extremely exciting and extremely powerful for business and organizations. But for Domino's and other companies with similar employee-related issues, it can be extremely frightening and embarrassing, ultimately impacting the bottom line.

Star Ledger Explains How to Use Twitter

There's a first time for everything, and that includes twittering. The social networking web site Twitter has undergone explosive growth recently and is seeing increased interest from mainstream users. However, with mainstream users come questions about how the technology works, what to post, etc. The Star Ledger has attempted to clear up any confusion with its article, "Seven easy steps to understanding twitter." While basic, it's a good first step for the uninitiated.  And if you haven't yet tweeted, what are you waiting for? Sign up and get engaged in the conversation.

Making (Real) Money on YouTube

Think you've got a funny or interesting video that the world is just waiting to see? You could be the next YouTube millionaire. In uncertain economic times, people look to new and different ways to increase their income. Some are firing up the video camera, uploading to YouTube and laughing all the way to the bank. Associations, nonprofit organizations and businesses should pay close attention to this opportunity. Now, your expertise and experience can be captured on video and monetized quickly and effectively. What are you waiting for?

The Facebook Phenomena

New York magazine has an excellent, in-depth story about the Facebook phenomena. The article goes into great detail about how the site works, what makes it so addicting and what the implications are for embracing this new method and form of  communications. The article is an essential, must-read for anyone or any business thinking about signing up for Facebook or already using the site.

Corzine and Christie Battle It Out on the Web

MyCentralJersey.com has an interesting article about the use of social networking web sites in this year's race for Governor of New Jersey. Front runners Jon Corzine and Chris Christie have both established themselves on Facebook and Twitter, an acknowledgment of the value found in these communications tools. However, at this early point in the general election campaign the campaigns may not be using the sites to their fullest potential. Here's a closer look:

Facebook
Christie: 1,204 Supporters
Last Update: March 2, 2009

Corzine: 997 Supporters
Last Update: March 31, 2009

Christie has collected more supporters on Facebook than Corzine and his NCAA bracket tournament created some positive buzz.  Christie had momentum on his side, but hasn't updated Facebook since March 2.

Corzine has recently turned on the Facebook switch and is using the site effectively. He posts status updates and photos. He hasn't crossed the 1,000-follower mark yet, but with regular usage, he will very soon. Yet even with his increased activity, he still lags Christie in supporters.

Twitter
Christie Updates: 169
Following: 207
Followers: 481

Corzine Updates: 0
Following: 0
Followers: 84

Christie is using Twitter very effectively and it shows. He's rounded up a nice following and updates frequently with many updates coming from the candidate himself. That's the way it should be done.

The same cannot yet be said for Corzine's presence on Twitter. With no updates yet, it appears that the account is just a place-holder until someone at the campaign turns on the switch. But they're updating Facebook almost everyday. Why not throw a Twitter post in the mix?

What emerges is a picture of inconsistency from both campaigns. Understandable. Campaigns, voters and everyone else are still discovering these sites and getting oriented to using them on a regular basis.

It will be interesting to watch these two campaigns through the prism of their social media accounts as the race for governor heats up. Stay tuned!

Ocean County GOP Gets Press for Twitter Usage

Congrats to the Ocean County Republican Party for the story in Sunday's edition of the Asbury Park Press about the organization's usage of Twitter, Facebook and other web-based social networking sit. While some may claim the GOP is playing catch up, kudos are deserved whenever the medium is used effectively and Ocean County Republicans are doing just that. As for the Ocean County Democrats? Sadly, they're nowhere to be found on Twitter.