Reflection on Bert DuMars Visit to GC&SU

Mr. Bert DuMars came to our social media class on Friday to talk to us about the different aspects of social media.
One of the first things we talked about was twitter. He said that your twitter and twitter stream is a great way to promote yourself and your skills. That in the "about me" section explain who you are and do not leave it blank. Do not give out personal information on twitter and keep your location broad. If you don't have a career yet, like my classmates and I, use it to show your talent and what you can do.
No one is a social media expert, but a social media explorer or practicioner.
He showed us how it was like to go through recalls and how to deal with them. Bert DuMars works for Newell-Rubbermaid and a while ago one of there products for Graco was recalled (a baby stroller). Consumers crashed the website and the blog with over 2 million hits. The company had to do something. It was interesting to know that loyal consumers to the Graco products actually started blogs and were answering questions, they were helping to promote the good nature of Graco baby products. Social media helped to stop the craziness that other parents were creating about the fear of their child getting injured.
The next thing we learned about was how to use blogs for a company. Do not use your blog to promote to products, if they want to know about the product have a spot where they can go to the products website. Use the blog to showcase your customers and show them that you care. Make sure that you have someone to monitor the blogs and to answer posts.
We learned how Coca Cola is using their social media. They have started a happiness campign that will start to be aired on American Idol. Coca Cola has also started Expedition 206, where select people were choosen to go around the world where Coke products exist.
We also learned how to use facebook to promot products. You can start a fan page on facebook to promote your products and also see what they have to say. However, you must use the page and respond. Mr. DuMars said there are 3 things that you must do: 1. Listen 2. Respond to consumers and let them know you hear them 3. Act. The bigger your network gets on Facebook the more value it has.