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Guest Blogger: Courtney, 20, Intern.

Like my intern friend Celia, whom I have yet to meet, but share a desk complete with a lovely electronic aquarium, I am a social networker. I too began with LiveJournal and AIM, but promptly discarded those during high school as they were clearly not hip enough for the pending college crowd. I am proud to say that I have not signed on AIM (SN: redheadskier101) since my senior year of high school. Of course, there is that pesky little Facebook chat icon on the bottom of my screen that tempts me so to open it…

My social media use has changed drastically since those dreaded years of “lol” and declarations of adoration of your 8^th grade boyfriend in AIM profiles. I have changed my cute “redheadskier101″ alias to the classy and stylish “courtneylh,” leaving behind the MySpace, LiveJournal and AIM. I am in an updated world today of Facebook, Twitter, Last.Fm, and general blog stalking — just to name a few of the things I do. I use social media to keep up with beloved sports teams, headlines, music news and the oh-so-tasteful Facebook updates that tell me instantly when Friend A and Friend B broke up.

Working in the music industry for the past couple years has taught me a lot on the use of social media and its importance in something other than harmless stalking. In the music business we have LiveNation and Ticketmaster, the industry’s equivalent of Bank of America or Citibank. They are the big guns. They book the biggest shows for the biggest venues and charge the biggest prices. Working for a small booking organization on a college campus where we try to provide affordable entertainment, we were competing with a smaller budget and often smaller bands, while trying to draw the same crowd. We had great success this year, more so than in the recent past, and we accredit a lot of that success to social media use. We had a website, a Twitter account, a Facebook page, and a MySpace page for bands and friends to track us. We took out ads in newspapers and sent out direct email blasts as well, but you’d be surprised how many people on campus overlook or delete. People are more inclined now to check their Facebook pages than emails.

I’m excited to begin to integrate my marketing experience with music into a more corporate world. Many who work in the music industry are social media savants, and if they don’t have a Twitter, it’s solely because they perceived it quite un-hip (believe me, I held out for a long time). It is interesting to see a business such as a bank, which one would never expect to see on Facebook, to be interacting/engaging with customers on business pages. It turns out that no matter in what industry one works, that social media can make sense for your cause, as the goal is always the same - success (and to find out when Friend A and Friend B get back together, of course).

What has your experience with social media been like?

Guest Blogger: Celia, 19, Intern

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Wordpress, MySpace, Photobucket, Livejournal, Delicious, Second Life… at one time or another, I’ve been the proud owner of an account at all of those sites.

It’s impossible not to look back and laugh at my twelve year old self, creating a LiveJournal account with some form of “angelchic” in the title. I was so young—too young, probably—and I had to hide the site from my socially media inept parents. I had to beg them for an AIM screen name, because they just didn’t understand these new forms of communication. But that’s how it all started for me, and probably a lot of Gen-Y kids.

Now, as a college student, I’ve really narrowed down the sites I use. Facebook is my primary tool. I check it compulsively. I look at everyone’s profiles (it’s not stalking, I swear) and read my news feed like it’s my job. It simply keeps me connected.

I also have accounts on LinkedIn, YouTube, Wordpress and Twitter. It may seem excessive, but in reality they all have distinct uses, so it’s hard to give any of them up. LinkedIn is for professional networking. I use YouTube to share the videos I make at school as a communications major, check out my classmates’ videos, and watch the millions of random videos present on the website. I made a Wordpress blog for a class last year, and plan to update it with more work as I continue my college career. Twitter is probably the least relevant of all the social networks for me at this time, but it can be fun and addicting sometimes.

My experience with social media is almost comical. It seems absurd, but it’s such an integral part of my life that I can’t imagine a world without it. But it keeps me connected, it keeps me updated and it keeps me busy. What more could I ask for?

As the “media intern” here at Pannos Winzeler, I’ve had a chance to take the knowledge I have of social media and apply it to a professional situation. In the three short days I’ve been here so far, I’ve been doing a lot of research about how social media affects branding, especially in relation to the financial institutions we work with. It’s amazing to me how many banks are on Facebook and Twitter, and how they are using these free tools to promote their company. It’s so interesting to see how everything ties together and works cohesively to promote a product to so many different groups.

I think social media will continue to change dramatically over the coming years. It’s impossible to predict what turn it will take, or what new website will take over next. I do know, however, that there will always be those awkward dilemmas of dealing with your nosey Aunt adding you on Facebook or whether to untag yourself from pictures with your ex-boyfriend. It will certainly be interesting to see how social media will change—or how social media will change us!

What are your thoughts on businesses being present on social media sites?

We find ourselves at PW saying often that in social media, everything connects. Allow me to recount a connection story from last night.

I was catching up on my Google Reader RSS feeds, decided to take a break from tech & financial marketing posts to scroll through my bookmarked Design blogs.

Found a local Manchester, NH apartment featured on apartmenttherapy.com. I read more–turns out the owner is a photographer, I visit her site. Immediately noticed a “become a fan on Facebook” tab at the bottom of the page. Since I like her work, I click, become a fan and post on her page’s wall. She replied to me. In a matter of minutes, strangers became connected. In just a few easy to navigate clicks, future business may have even been acquired.

From a business stance, offering different ways for potential audiences to connect with you is a smart move. Sanford Institution for Savings (disclaimer: PW client) links to both their Twitter and Facebook pages from their homepage. The bank uses these pages to connect back to fresh content on their website. By listing these other sites, they are encouraging visitors to choose how they want to interact with them. For me personally, I’d much rather check out information as it comes through my Twitter stream or on a Facebook business page than have to make a separate trip to my bank’s website (which to be honest, I probably wouldn’t do in the first place). Come find and talk to me where I’m already spending my online time. Be present and relevant. I’ll choose whether I want to follow you or become a fan.

Bottom line: create more opportunities to connect with your communities and prospects. From photography to banking, social media doesn’t discriminate. A business always has a public and they’re already on social networks–are you?

*Update 8/19: Since this post was written, Sanford Institution for Savings is no longer maintaining their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

What has your experience with social media been like?

Guest Blogger: Kira, 27, Account Executive, Pannos Winzeler Marketing

My experience with social media goes back to my last year-and-a-half of college, starting in early 2004 when it was all new and not many people were involved yet. Does anyone else remember Orkut, Friendster, or Hi5? Chances are, you probably don’t remember these places on the web, but these were first experiences with online social networks- for fun. And all of these first experiences were pre-Facebook. So, although Facebook was one of the first to mainstream, many people don’t realize that it has had some worthy predecessors. I feel reminiscent when I think back, because it seems like I am among only a few people in my online/offline social-circles who know this first-hand.

Orkut was my very first online social network- and I was addicted! Orkut was launched by a former Stanford University graduate student and Google employee, whose name was coincidentally, Orkut Büyükkökten. In essence, Orkut Büyükkökten was the first Mark Zuckerberg.

Preceding the introduction of Gmail, users were allowed to join Orkut by invitation only (similar to how Gmail launched by invitation only) and I was unwittingly invited by acquaintances from a semester I spent living abroad, as a college student. I don’t know who invited them, but that’s how I ended up on Orkut .

The invitation only aspect made it feel like you were part of some elite group. And I loved it because, ideally, it was a way for me to stay in touch and keep up-to-date with friends I made while living overseas.

Eventually, Orkut was bought out by Google and it died down quite a bit. Most of the people who use it now are from Brazil and India, from what I understand. I wouldn’t know first-hand because I stopped using it some time ago. And, that’s how I lost touch with all of my study abroad buddies- but I still feel that the idea and intention was worthwhile and really enjoyed the experience of being involved with friends on Orkut. My eyes were opened to the world of communication made possible via online social networks.

I didn’t value the online social network channel as much then, because it had not hit mainstream yet. I was one of the only people I knew, in my everyday life, who was involved with online social networking at that time. I could not have predicted how much it would evolve over the next five years, or so, to target specific audiences and address basic behavioral needs related to interpersonal communication and our current society.

Orkut, along with others like Friendster, and Hi5 were popular online networks that preceded MySpace and Facebook. It’s hard to find anyone who remembers these, I think because the newer networks like Facebook and MySpace were able to appeal more to the younger Gen-Y kids, based upon their creation to solely target the audience of secondary and college-aged students who were most likely to blow-up the online social networking phenomena to a broader audience. Basically, the predecessors, Orkut, Friendster, and Hi5 were not targeted to users who would be able to make them hit the mainstream. I think that was ultimately their downfall.

And, with that being said, Facebook was ideal in that college-aged students and communities are typically where a lot of early-adaptors can be found- trendsetters who can disseminate new habits and behaviors to the rest of us, over time. Now, Facebook has surpassed all other online social networks in users, including MySpace! How exciting to observe the evolution, as the user demographic becomes broader to include us all, no longer limited to the original requirement that Facebook established when it launched in 2004; being an enrolled college-student.

I know Facebook was the first social network for many college freshmen, including colleagues of mine (Meagan)! It’s interesting to see how those who have grown together from the start for the more mainstream networks have become a changed generation, in relation to technology and its use in day-to-day life. It’s such a new perspective to many of us- even though technically I am considered Gen-Y, I did not grow up with online social networks as part of my day-to-day life. In fact, I am on the cusp, between Gen-X and Gen-Y. Sometimes, it almost feels as though there is a dividing line that is drawn, especially in correlation to online use and behavior.

Now that I am a marketing and advertising professional, I am involved with social networking to stay on top of trends and demographic-based behaviors for the audiences that our clients want to reach out to. I feel that I have learned a lot from my colleagues and friends at work regarding the professional value of being on Facebook, LinkedIn and other online networks. When before, it was just about having fun and being casually in touch with friends. Now, it has evolved to personal branding, being aware and in control of my own online presence and using online networks as a tool to leverage communication and openness among those whom I am in touch with regularly, online and offline, too!

The most exciting thing to see is the current class of college students, heading for graduation, and being fully aware of the value to be had through reaching out to professionals via LinkedIn and Facebook! I strongly feel that this current class/generation of new adults gets it- to the point where they don’t even have to think hard about using these online channels to their advantage. It’s ingrained in some of them, which is good. They have the most positive relationship with the Internet than previous generations who grew up with computers, in my opinion.

I have to say that I am thankful for the opportunity to be included among others who also recognize and understand the value. Especially because, sadly, I know there are many who still aren’t sure and don’t get it. I think it’s sad because I worry that those who don’t get it are being left out, somehow.

Eventually, I would love to be connected to all my offline family, friends, and coworkers through various online networks because the busier and further apart we are in our physical lives- spread out across the world, it becomes more and more important to me to keep any and all lines of communication open. Social networks allow me to reinforce my bonds with those people whom I share common interest and values with.

Question: What has your experience with social media been like?

Guest Blogger: Alina - 26, Designer, Pannos Winzeler Marketing

Hello ladies and thanks for having me here on Media Talk!!

Social Media can be summed up in one word - addiction. It’s a real lifeline for people my age. It’s informative, entertaining, a real form of communication, and even a way to express oneself. It can be hard to keep up with and hard to stay away from, all at the same time. Thankfully I don’t have internet or cable at home. I try personally to balance out my “plugged in” time.

Over the past few years it amazes me how far social media truly has come. I remember the days when AOL instant messenger was really the only game in town. Today, I have an account with MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr, Google Chat, Twitter, YouTube, WordPress, (where I host my portfolio) and was active with Meetup for a short time to get involved with hiking groups in the area. I will be honest and say the only one I am truly able to keep up with on a regular basis is Facebook.

Social media opens up so many avenues for sharing - photos, opinions, ideas, knowledge, tools and even résumés for potential professional connections. I think it is a wonderful advancement and it makes the world feel that much smaller sometimes.

Personally I have been able to get in touch with people I haven’t heard from in over 15 years. At first I thought things like Twitter and posting status updates on Facebook were a bit much. Why would I want to have something I am supposed to update all the time about what I am doing every second? I mean who would care? But I will admit that at least once a day I am on there posting something I either heard, or found, or a video I watched and wanted to share. I really enjoy reading other people’s posts and what they find out there in the web world, things I may have otherwise missed.

It came as no real surprise to me that businesses, including my own, would actually start encouraging use of these social media sites. Whether it is to stay connected to each other internally or to advertise to, and get feedback from, consumers. The Internet is where most people my age as well as those in their 30’s and 40’s are spending most of their time these days. If you can reach out to them where they are paying attention, then you are reaching them where it matters most.

All my experiences using social media so far have been positive. I feel able to balance and enjoy my “online life” as much as my real life and it has been an extra way to reach out to people both professionally and socially. I hope to do more with it - I would like to have my own blog someday - but I know it takes time to maintain and right now there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Everyone has to find their own balance.

Comments welcome please.

You tweeted about the term brandividual. How do you view this from your perspective?

David Armano of Critical Mass recently coined the term “brandividual.” Brandividual is the marriage between an individual and the company they represent. It’s a melding of personal and professional brand. In this world of online social networking and engagement, what’s the balance to be found in co-branding yourself and your employer?

A big name example of a brandividual is Scott Monty who works for Ford. He came onto the Ford team to head up their social media efforts. With him came an impressive personal network that he has continued to grow and leverage in his new position. His Twitter stream has been subject to controversy of late because he tweets both from a personal and Ford stance (if you click on his name’s hyperlink, you’ll see there’s no mistaking the Ford presence on his page). Some argue that the two should be separate.

Less and less there is a clear cut separation between life and work. I maintain separate Twitter & Facebook accounts for personal, Pannos Winzeler (and Media Talk!) but parts of my life in each of these arenas spills over. The separation of church and state question is even more important when dealing with large corporate brands and identity. Representing a company like the Fords of the world on social networks is done on a global stage.

As a Gen Yer in marketing (and a relative newbie to the workforce) I believe that building my personal brand while helping to continue building my agency’s brand only enhances the effort and motivates me as an employee. I’m an ambassador for myself and Pannos Winzeler in and out of the office, online, at networking events and beyond. After working for a company that appreciates and encourages my growth as a professional in this space, I don’t think I could ever work somewhere that didn’t offer the same trust and respect. I know that there’s mutual expectation here. My growth (especially on company time) should correlate with my company’s. Brands that encourage motivated employees to keep developing their own professional presence (especially online) can greatly benefit from the results.

Social networking and its reach means it’s a new ball game when hiring people who could become an online brand rep for your company. As David Armano wrote: “hiring people like Scott means bringing his existing network into your organization and your organization into his network.”

What is it–no rewards without some risk? As a business, as a professional–figure out how the brandividual equation can work for you.

So what’s the follow-up on the Facebook Terms of Service fiasco?

This week, in response to all of the upheaval that occurred earlier this month, Mark Zuckerberg announced the future of Facebook decision making. 

Facebook users now have an official role (if they choose to use it) in determining policies on the site. There are two governing documents to pay attention to: The Facebook Principles (set of values that guide the development of Facebook) and the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities (governs Facebook’s operations). Users will be able to review and offer thoughts/changes and eventually vote on these documents in the coming weeks.

From here, whenever Facebook amends one of these documents, the site will notify users and offer them time to make comments or vote about any changes if there is a lot of debate over a certain topic.

In a wrap-up of all the Facebook ToS drama this month, I think that the site is setting a social network precedent for user engagement in the decision making process. In a Brian Solis PR 2.0 post, he writes “the company is employing one of the social web’s greatest assets, people. Facebook is banking on a new genre of user-generated governance (UGV) to improve brand equity as well as customer interaction and loyalty.”

As a fellow Gen Yer, I’m a fan of Zuckerberg. He’s created a social nirvana and has made mistakes in a very public forum while developing it. He’s remained transparent when he’s made these mistakes. He learns and responds fast–all needed leadership traits in a 2.0 world. Another thing I’m a fan of? Facebook officially opened up their corporate blog to comments. Time to listen Facebook. And if you do–we’ll help you avoid shooting yourself in the foot next time. Promise.

What do you think of the titles given to people who work in the social media realm?
I recently met someone who was an engagement manager. Two years ago I would have thought this person planned weddings or did some type of counseling. Thankfully it’s 2009 and I now have a clue. There are social media specialists (like Meagan), community managers, information architects, new media managers, digital strategists, and social computing strategists, which are some of the more common ones.

These are all positions that didn’t exist five years ago so I think the new titles are progressive and positive. They get people to look twice at your business card or even email. Hopefully these new titles inspire people to ask questions about what you do because they certainly all don’t mean the same thing. Meagan, you will recall, an article we referenced in selecting your new title was from Jeremiah Owyang’s Blog. He’s a Senior Analyst at Forrester Research: Social Computing and has compiled a pretty diverse listing of titles by industry.

Titles, particularly in the social media world, can be an effective conversation starter. LinkedIn is a near effortless way to find out more about what a person’s job entails and their work history. Here’s an example of my public profile on LinkedIn. If you decide you want to pursue a business connection with someone you meet, invite them into your network via LinkedIn and you will be given access to more detailed business history and information.

Social media titles are fun and hip, but let’s be honest, businesses wouldn’t be creating these jobs if there weren’t business opportunities. These titles are meant not to confuse, but to highlight areas of expertise and responsibilities. Or you could do as my sister’s company (Dowling & Partners) does and skip the titles all together. Now that’s an idea!

Please share what other social media titles you have come across…

What did you think of the Super Bowl ads?

Fortunately there is YouTube nowadays so I went back a couple of days ago and watched them all! They were having a contest to vote for your favorites and the votes are in! #1 Free Doritos, #2 E*TRADE, #3 CareerBuilder.com, #4 Pepsi Max – I’m Good, #5 Power of the Crunch. I voted for the top three, but not #4 or #5. I don’t think I was part of their target demographic so those two commercials didn’t appeal to me. My favorite was the Budweiser Clydesdale Stick commercial. This touched my funny bone. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that I have a Labrador with the retriever instinct times ten. I got a big laugh from the Bud Light Meeting commercial where the guy suggests bringing Bud Light to each meeting and then gets thrown out the window. So absurd, yet so hilarious! Denny’s Thugs was another one that gave me a chuckle. I appreciated seeing a couple of socially responsible commercials – GE Scarecrow and Frosted Flakes Plant a Seed too.

What were your favorites?

You mentioned an interesting moment the other day while watching a commercial with your husband. What happened?

Don’t know what an “app” is? You’re not alone. A few days ago my husband and I were watching some TV and an iPhone commercial came on. It was talking about the iPhone having an “app” for this and that. I looked at my husband and just knew he wouldn’t know what an app was in that sense. I explained an app meant application and then went on to tell him that applications are little programs that can be downloaded on phones enhancing what the phone can do. Now my husband is a smart guy, a reporter for 15 plus years with an undergraduate degree from Penn State and a masters from Northwestern University. He is however, 5 years older than me and that much more removed from the digital revolution. He has made great strides in the last year helped along by the purchase of his own laptop. He is very comfortable with the Internet, his Nikon photo program and can navigate around iTunes like a pro. But having a basic cell phone provided by work, he hadn’t been introduced to applications in the phone sense. There has got to be a big group of people still out there that don’t know about this kind of stuff though I suspect that universe must be shrinking pretty fast. I only have a few phone applications right now myself. My Favorites: Facebook and Twitter.

What are some of your favorite applications?