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Buzz had been stewing for the past week. Stewing that he lost both time and money, billable as well as oop. Stewing that he was an unwilling voyeur to a near day-long “insiders only” social media love fest. Stewing that, for the most part, he felt talked down to or talked around, dismissing or ignoring his own knowledge of and experience with social media.
So, what is the source of this week-long stew, you ask? Try the one-track June 12 BlogPotomac when at times, watching the flickering laptop screens was more interesting than listening to what was coming from the stage, with the exception of Shel Holtz and Ford’s Scott Monty who each offered valuable insights on their views, uses and thoughts on all things social media today as well as in the future. Thank you guys.
Overall the day for Buzz was relatively low energy, low interest and low value – yes, even at $95. An entire segment on personal branding? Come on. Others had a similar reaction, and it even carried over to the official Blog Potomac happy hour event.
As if to confirm this sentiment, event organizer Geoff Livingston announced that a third and final BlogPotomac will take place in October, and then five days later the Senior VP/Social Media at PR firm CRT/tanaka came out with this blog post with the headline: “Why a Final BlogPotomac: Social Media Really Is Dead.” Wow. Who knew?
Which got Buzz to thinking…as we see this shift to a new stage of social media with all the talk about ”rock stars” (yes, some actually say this!) and personal branding and how to handle this new-found ”fame,” why not develop and host a social media event that brings the conversation back to reality? Anyone out there want to join in?
When three executives from some of the Baltimore region’s most successful companies got together this morning to share “good news” stories about profitability in the face of a recession, they also took the time to share thoughts about marketing.
And no, they didn’t talk trade shows, direct mail campaigns and press releases.
Try Facebook, Twitter and blogging strategies as the tools they’re focusing on, even if it’s to monitor what customers – and competitors – are doing, linking to, following and saying.
The Greater Baltimore Tech Council event, “Who’s Growing in 2009?” was emceed by Art Jacoby (in photo above, left) featuring Tim Lorello, SVP and chief marketing officer for Telecommunication Systems, Inc. (also known as TCS), Michele Perry, chief marketing officer of Sourcefire, and Todd Johnson, president of Salar, Inc. (right). All three companies are in a strong growth mode, and marketing plays an important role.
But a pleasant surprise of the morning – at least for me – came when they talked about their use of social media and its emerging importance to their businesses. This was no social media how-to workshop where you’d expect that kind of talk. This was a business event and these unsolicited comments about social media’s value came straight from execs in the trenches.
Perry called this a time for “lots of learning and tracking…and numbers to watch” when it comes to social media, with time spent listening to what’s being said about Sourcefire and the industry. She also shared a powerful anecdote of the firm’s success with media interviews as a result of prompt response to Tweets by reporters needing sources for stories. “It all happens within half an hour,” emphasized Perry.
Lorello also acknowledged its importance and talked of winning awards, which leads to news coverage, which leads to results on the search engines, still the most important player in online marketing. Meanwhile, Salar, Inc. has a Facebook page (including pix from a recent Paintball outing) and a Twitter account, but the most efficient use of Web 2.0 tools are the industry blogs that have “10 times more credibility” than other sources, according to Johnson.
“It’s a wonderfully cheap way to market directly to our audience,” he said.
Before the Q and A session got underway, Jacoby, a notable business consultant, proclaimed that “social media is the next giant.”
Amen, Art.
P.S. Check out the blog post about the event written by Baltimore Sun tech reporter Gus Sentementes. It’s on his new blog just launched this week, BaltTech.
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Buzz
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Here it is! “The Sawmill Guide to Maryland Media on Twitter” (2012 edition). In the spirit of social media sharing, Baltimore PR firm Sawmill Marketing Public Relations created this list in 2008, launched it on January 1, 2009 and has maintained it ever since.
Last update: May 15, 2012
Have Any Names to Share?
If so, let us know via email or comment at the end of this blog post.
Finally, if you would like to view all of these accounts in one location, follow Jeff’s list – http://twitter.com/#/list/contactjeff/baltimore-media — a cool way to see what ALL members of the Maryland media are collectively tweeting. Kind of a one-stop news channel and an especially handy way to follow a breaking news story and to get the collective tweets from all who cover the region!
Anne Arundel County
Eye on Annapolis – http://twitter.com/eyeonannapolis (John Frenaye)
WNAV – http://twitter.com/PKBNews (P. Kenneth Burns, Anchor/Reporter)
WNAV – http://twitter.com/1430WNAV (News)
Annapolis – The Capital
Bourg, Allison – http://twitter.com/abourg_Capital
McGehee, Laura Chase – http://twitter.com/LC_the_photog
Cox, Erin – http://twitter.com/CapitalCox (Healthcare/GA)
DeButts, Jimmy – http://twitter.com/jd3217 (Business)
Hartley, Eric – http://twitter.com/ethartley (Columnist)
Peters, Mike – http://twitter.com/CapitalMPeters (H.S. Sports)
Rawlyk, Heather – http://twitter.com/Rawlyk_Capital (Courts/Crime)
Reed, Tina – http://twitter.com/TreedinAA (Naval Acad., Ed.)
Sauers, Elisha – http://twitter.com/elishasauers (City Gov’t/Politics)
Wood, Pamela – http://twitter.com/pwoodreporter (Environ./Bay)
Woodards, Shantee’ – http://twitter.com/woo_sha (Business)
Capital Staff Newsroom – http://twitter.com/capgaznews
Maryland Gazette Newsroom – http://twitter.com/MDGazette
Baltimore Business Journal
BBJ – http://twitter.com/bbjonline (News)
Countryman, Wayne – http://twitter.com/WayneCBalt (Assoc. Ed.)
Dinkel, John – http://twitter.com/johndinkel (President & Publisher)
Gantz, Sarah – http://twitter.com/Sarah_Gantz (Reporter)
Griner, Nicholas – http://twitter.com/ngrinerphoto (Photo)
Haber, Gary - http://twitter.com/ghaber2010 (Reporter)
House, April – http://twitter.com/AprilHouse (Graphic Design)
Lambert, Jack – http://twitter.com/jplambert (Reporter/Researcher)
Proctor, Carolyn – http://twitter.com/cdog_ (Research Director)
Sharrow, Ryan – http://twitter.com/rsharrow (New Media Editor)
Sullivan, Joanna – http://twitter.com/joannasullivan (Editor)
The Sun
Adams, LeeAnn – http://twitter.com/leeann300 (Multi-Media)
Alatzas, Trif – http://twitter.com/trifalatzas (Head of Digital Media)
Ambrose, Eileen – http://twitter.com/eileenambrose (Personal Finance)
Anderson, Jessica – http://twitter.com/janders5 (Nights Reporter)
Assaf, Christopher – http://twitter.com/ctassaf (Photo/Video Ed.)
Arundel Sun – http://twitter.com/Arundel_Sun (AA County Bureau)
Badie, Jennifer – http://twitter.com/JenniferBadie (Education Editor)
BaltFindLocal – http://twitter.com/BaltFindLocal (Metromix)
BaltSunHealth – http://twitter.com/BaltSunHealth (Health Updates)
Barker, Jeff – http://twitter.com/SunJeffBarker (Sports)
Bowie, Liz – http://twitter.com/lizbowie (Education)
Bracken, Matt – http://twitter.com/mattbracken (Sports)
Brewington, Kelly – http://twitter.com/KellyBrew (Medicine/Health)
Broadwater, Luke – http://twitter.com/lukebroadwater
Brown, Matthew Hay – http://twitter.com/matthewhaybrown (Politics/Gov’t Ed)
Brown, Sloane – http://twitter.com/sloanebrown (Society)
Burris, Joe – http://twitter.com/patienceofjoe (Good Life)
Butler, Anica – http://twitter.com/AnicaButler (Crime News Editor)
Calvert, Scott – http://twitter.com/scottmcalvert (Maryland Scenes)
Catalini, Mike – http://twitter.com/mikecatalini (Multi-Media Content)
Cho, Hanah – http://twitter.com/hanahcho (Business & Workplace)
Cohn, Meredith – http://twitter.com/mercohn (Enviro/Health/Fitness)
Connolly, Dan – http://twitter.com/danconnollysun (Orioles)
Consuming Interests – http://twitter.com/ConSumInterests (Blog)
Corey, Mary – http://twitter.com/maryjcorey (Director of Content)
Dance, Scott – http://twitter.com/ssdance (Reporter)
Deal, Michelle – http://twitter.com/suntravelblog (Travel)
Dresser, Michael – http://twitter.com/michaeltdresser (MD Government)
Earley, Steve – http://twitter.com/stephencearley (Social/Mobile/Blog)
Fenton, Justin – http://twitter.com/justin_fenton (Crime)
Fritz, Ron – http://twitter.com/ronfritz (Sports)
Fritze, John – http://twitter.com/jfritze (D.C.)
Fuller, Nicole – http://twitter.com/nicoleatthesun (Reporter)
Gould, Steve – http://twitter.com/stevegould (Sports)
Green, Andy – http://twitter.com/andrewagreen (Head of Opinion)
Green, Erica L. – http://twitter.com/EricaLG (Education)
Hamilton, Bob – http://twitter.com/bob_hamilton (Photog.)
Hancock, Jay – http://twitter.com/jayhancock1 (Business Column)
Hensley, Jamison – http://twitter.com/jamisonhensley (Ravens)
Herman, Peter – http://twitter.com/phscoop (Police)
Hopkins, Jamie Smith – http://twitter.com/realestatewonk (R.E.)
Hubert-Allen, Olivia – http://twitter.com/hubertallen (Audience Engagement)
Jackson, Jerry – http://twitter.com/fotoj (Photojournalist)
Jones, Brent – http://twitter.com/bjones557 (General Assgmt.)
Jones, Dean Jr. – http://twitter.com/deanjonesjr (Sports)
Judge, Jay – http://twitter.com/jayjudge (Head of Visuals)
Kasper, Rob – http://twitter.com/robkasper (Food & Beverage)
Kay, Liz – http://twitter.com/lfkay (Reporter, Consumer Blogger)
Kelber, Sarah – http://twitter.com/realityck (Reality TV blog)
Kilar, Steve – http://twitter.com/stevekilar (Breaking and General News)
Klinedinst, Phil – http://twitter.com/philklinedinst (Copy Desk Chief)
Korman, Chris – http://twitter.com/ChrisKorman (Sports Content)
Linskey, Annie – http://twitter.com/AnnieLinskey (City Hall/Politics)
Maki, Justine – http://twitter.com/justinemaki (Home Page Editor)
Marton, Adam – http://twitter.com/adam_marton (Interactive Designer)
Maynard, Patrick – http://twitter.com/patrickmaynard (Producer)
Maza, Erik – http://twitter.com/erik_maza (G.A., Nightlife)
Maza, Erik – http://twitter.com/midnightsunblog
McIntyre, John – http://twitter.com/johnemcintyre (Night Ed.)
McNatt, Glenn – http://twitter.com/glennmcnatt (Opinion)
Mirabella, Lorraine – http://twitter.com/lmirabella (RE, Local Media)
Ratner, Andy – http://twitter.com/aratner1 (Features Editor)
Reimer, Susan – http://twitter.com/susanreimer (Columnist)
Rodricks, Dan – http://twitter.com/MiddayRodricks (Columnist)
Rosen, Andy – http://twitter.com/andyrosen (Content Editor)
Rosen, Jill – http://twitter.com/jillrosen (Features)
Rosenthal, Dave – http://twitter.com/readstreet (Lifestyle & Ent.)
Roylance, Frank – http://twitter.com/froylance (Science)
Scharper, Julie – http://twitter.com/juliemore (Maryland News)
Schmuck, Peter – http://twitter.com/SchmuckStop (Sports)
Sentementes, Gus – http://twitter.com/GusSent (Technology)
Shatzkin, Kate – http://twitter.com/Charmcitymoms (Parent/Family)
Siegel, Andrea – http://twitter.com/realwriter (Features)
Smitherman, Laura – http://twitter.com/lsmitherman (Head of MD News)
Sullivan, Steve – http://twitter.com/sullicom (Director of Multi-Media)
Sweigard, Pete – http://twitter.com/petesweigard (Audience Engagement)
Sun – http://twitter.com/BaltSunArts (Arts & Entertainment)
Sun – http://twitter.com/bmorecurrent (Blogs)
Sun – http://twitter.com/sundigitalsubs (Digital Subscriptions)
Sun - http://twitter.com/baltimoresun (News Updates)
Sun – http://twitter.com/baltsunlive (Live Events)
Sun – http://twitter.com/BaltSunSports (Sports)
Sun Video - http://twitter.com/baltsunvid (Images & Audio)
Sweeney, Gene Jr. – http://twitter.com/checkeredflag01 (Racing)
Van Valkenburg, Kevin - http://twitter.com/KVanValkenburg (Sports Writer)
Walker, Andrea – http://twitter.com/ankwalker (Business)
Wheeler, Tim – http://twitter.com/TBWheeler (Environment)
Williams, IV John-John – http://twitter.com/popcouturejjw4 (Pop)
Workman, Michael – http://twitter.com/michaelworkman (Director, Interactive Design)
Zurawik, David – http://twitter.com/davidzurawik (Television/Media Critic)
b
b – http://twitter.com/bthesite
Bartel, Jordan – http://twitter.com/jordanbartel (Asst. Editor)
Broadwater, Luke - http://twitter.com/LukeBroadwater (M.E.)
Case, Wesley – http://twitter.com/wesleycase (Presentation Architect)
Chapman, Alisia – http://twitter.com/alisiachapman (Managing Editor)
Krista, Brian – http://twitter.com/briankrista (Photographer)
Nelson, Christopher – http://twitter.com/cenelson08 (b the site)
Richardson, Marissa – http://twitter.com/wranglinrissa
Sapiro, Adam – http://twitter.com/asapadam (Production Editor)
Tallent, Anne – http://twitter.com/anne3000 (Editor)
Vensel, Matt – http://twitter.com/mattvensel (Sports)
Wong, Tim – http://twitter.com/twong911 (Art Director)
The Daily Record
Daily Record – http://twitter.com/mddailyrecord (News Updates)
Buck, Tara – http://twitter.com/tara_e_buck (Special Pubs Ed.)
Jacobs, Danny – http://twitter.com/TDRDanny (Web Editor)
Lash, Steve – http://twitter.com/Steve_Lash (Appellate Courts)
Mook, Ben – http://twitter.com/BenMook (Trial Courts)
Pyles, Alexander – http://twitter.com/aapyles (Gov’t Reporter)
Sauter, Jackie – http://twitter.com/jackiesauter (Web Editor)
Tousignant, Kristi – http://twitter.com/TDRKristi (Biz of Law)
Simmons, Melody – http://twitter.com/SimmonsMelody
Waldman, Ed – http://twitter.com/EdWaldman1958 (Managing Ed.)
Zilberman, Maria – http://twitter.com/mariazilberman (Business)
Radio
ESPN – http://twitter.com/ESPNRadio1300 (Sports)
WBAL-AM – http://twitter.com/wbal (Chris Beauchamp)
WBAL-AM – http://twitter.com/wbalradio (News Alerts)
WBAL-AM Angela Jackson – http://twitter.com/angielbaltimore
WBAL-AM Rob Lang – http://twitter.com/reporterroblang
WCBM Sean Casey – http://twitter.com/seanandfrank
WCBM Tom Moore – http://twitter.com/tommooreradio
WEAA-FM – http://twitter.com/talkshowguy (Anthony McCarthy)
95.1 Shine FM – http://twitter.com/951SHINEFM
98 Rock – http://twitter.com/98Rock
WLOY – http://twitter.com/WLOYLoyolaRadio
WMMX – http://twitter.com/Mix1065FM
WMMX Jojo and Reagan – http://twitter.com/JojoAndReagan
WPOC – http://twitter.com/LaurieDeYoung (Laurie DeYoung)
WRBS – http://twitter.com/AM1230WRBS
WRNR-FM – http://twitter.com/103WRNR
WTMD 89.7 FM – http://twitter.com/WTMD
WTMD 89.7 FM – http://twitter.com/AmyWoo (Membership Director)
WTOP 103.5 FM – http://twitter.com/MDNews_WTOP (Md. News)
WYPR 88.1 FM – http://twitter.com/wypr881FM
Midday WYPR – http://twitter.com/MiddayWYPR
1370 AM – http://twitter.com/davemchugh (Sports)
105.7 FM – http://twitter.com/1057TheFan (Sports)
105.7 FM Ed Norris Show – http://twitter.com/EdNorrisShow
TV
WBAL TV – http://twitter.com/wbaltv11
WBAL TV Court – http://twitter.com/wbaltv_court
WBAL-TV Beverly Epstein – http://twitter.com/bepstein11 (Assignment)
WBAL-TV Chris Dachille – http://twitter.com/WBALDash (Exec. Sports)
WBAL-TV Sheldon Dutes – http://twitter.com/SheldonDNews (Reporter)
WBAL-TV Donna Hamilton – http://twitter.com/hamiltonhabitat (Anchor)
WBAL-TV Nikole Killion – http://twitter.com/NikolenDC (Hearst Nat’l)
WBAL-TV Ava Marie – http://twitter.com/AvaWBAL (Weather)
WBAL-TV Lowell Melser – http://twitter.com/Lowell_Melser (Weather/Reporter)
WBAL-TV Lowell Melser – http://twitter.com/MelserWBAL (Weather/Reporter)
WBAL-TV Tony Pann – http://twitter.com/tonypann (Weather)
WBAL-TV Gerry Sandusky – http://twitter.com/GerrySandusky (Sports)
WBFF-Fox 45 Jon Conway – http://twitter.com/Conway45 (Photojournalist)
WBFF-FOX45 Candace Dold - http://twitter.com/candacedFox45 (Traffic/Entertainment)
WBFF-Fox 45 – http://twitter.com/loki_74 (News Producer)
WBFF-Fox 45 – http://twitter.com/FOXBaltimore
WJZ – http://twitter.com/cbsbaltimore
WJZ Marty Bass – http://twitter.com/mondobasso
WJZ Mary Bubala – http://twitter.com/marybubala (Anchor/Reporter)
WJZ Jeremy Freedenberg – http://twitter.com/jfreeden (Producer)
WJZ Weijia Jiang – http://twitter.com/wjzweijiajiang (Reporter)
WJZ Jessica Kartalija – http://twitter.com/WJZKartalija (Anchor/Reporter)
WJZ Adam May – http://twitter.com/adammaytv (Anchor/Reporter)
WJZ Susan Otradovec – http://twitter.com/otrados (Public Affairs)
WJZ Mike Schuh http://twitter.com/mikeschuh (Reporter)
WJZ Derek Valcourt – http://twitter.com/DEREKVALCOURT (Reporter)
WMAR-TV – http://twitter.com/ABC2NEWS
WMAR-TV – http://twitter.com/ABC2_ALERTS (Breaking News)
WMAR-TV Cheryl Conner – http://twitter.com/cherylconner (Reporter)
WMAR-TV Jamie Costello – http://twitter.com/jamiecostello2
WMAR-TV Charles Crowson – http://twitter.com/ccrowson016
WMAR-TV Wyatt Everhart – http://twitter.com/WyattEverhart
WMAR-TV Kelly Groft – http://twitter.com/kgroft (News Director)
WMAR-TV Jeff Herman – http://twitter.com/JPHerman (M.E.)
WMAR-TV Sherrie Johnson – http://twitter.com/SherrieNews (Education)
WMAR-TV Christian Keller – http://twitter.com/TV_Director (Director)
WMAR-TV Brian Kuebler – http://twitter.com/TVTerp (Sports)
WMAR-TV Roosevelt Leftwich – http://twitter.com/baldreporter
WMAR-TV Dave McHugh – http://twitter.com/davemchugh
WMAR-TV Christian Schaffer – http://twitter.com/chrisinbmore
WMAR-TV Joce Sterman – http://twitter.com/jocefromthenews
WMAR-TV Kelly Swoope – http://twitter.com/NewsSwoope
WMAR-TV Dan Taylor – http://twitter.com/dstaylo1 (AM Exec. Producer)
WUSA 9 TV Scott Broom – http://twitter.com/scottbroom
My24Network – http://twitter.com/my24baltimore
MPT – http://twitter.com/marylandpubtv
MPT Jeff Salkin – http://twitter.com/wallstreetweek
Magazines
Baltimore Magazine – http://twitter.com/Baltimoremag
Baltimore Magazine – http://twitter.com/maxthegirl (Max Weiss)
Charmed Magazine – http://twitter.com/CHARMEDMAG
Chesapeake Life - http://twitter.com/chesapeakelife
Lacrosse Magazine – http://twitter.com/clochary (Clare Lochary)
Maryland Family – http://twitter.com/Marylandfamily
Maryland Life – http://twitter.com/MarylandLife
Maryland Life – http://twitter.com/DanPatrell (Editor)
Smart Woman – http://twitter.com/smart_woman
STYLE Magazine – http://twitter.com/StyleMagazine (Brian Lawrence)
STYLE Magazine – http://twitter.com/Style_Maven (“LL”)
STYLE Magazine - http://twitter.com/StyleAve (Sarah Gilbert Fox)
STYLE Magazine – http://twitter.com/socialspeaking (Anne Boone-Simanski)
Taste of the Bay – http://twitter.com/TasteoftheBay
Urbanite – http://twitter.com/urbaniteMD
What’s Up? – http://twitter.com/whatsupmags
News Feeds/Online Pubs/Bots/Freelancers/Other
Afro-American http://twitter.com/afronews
Afro-American http://twitter.com/afronewsevents (Live Events)
Associated Press – http://twitter.com/apakell (Amanda Kell/Reg’l Ed.)
Associated Press – http://twitter.com/APBenNuckols (Ben Nuckols)
Armstrong, Mario – http://twitter.com/marioarmstrong (Technology)
Baltidome – http://twitter.com/Baltidome (Green News)
Baltimore Brew – http://twitter.com/BaltimoreBrew (Fern Shen)
Baltimore Eats – http://twitter.com/baltimoreeats
Baltimore Examiner – http://twitter.com/bmoreexaminer
Baltimore Examiner – http://twitter.com/CharmCitySean (Sean O’Donnell)
Baltimore Jewish Times – http://twitter.com/jewishtimes
Baltimore Jewish Times – http://twitter.com/BarbPash
Baltimore Jewish Times – http://twitter.com/neilrubin (Editor)
Baltimore Local – http://twitter.com/baltimorelocal
Baltimore News – http://twitter.com/Baltimore_News
Bmore Media - http://twitter.com/BmoreMedia
Bmore Media – http://twitter.com/BmoreMediaME
Bmore Media – http://twitter.com/julekha (Julekha Dash)
Capital News Service – http://twitter.com/CNSMd
Catholic Review – http://twitter.com/CatholicReview
Carol Sorgen - http://twitter.com/BaltimoreWriter (Freelance Journalist)
citybizlist real estate – http://twitter.com/JayRickey (Editor/Publisher)
City Paper – http://twitter.com/city_paper
Downtown Diane – http://twitter.com/downtowndiane (Ent/Food/Travel)
Exhibit A – http://twitter.com/ExhibitABalt (online law news)
Gazette – http://twitter.com/SarahBGaz (politics)
Inside Charm City – http://twitter.com/insidecharmcity
Investigative Voice – http://twitter.com/InvestigativeV (Stephen Janis)
Investigative Voice – http://twitter.com/BaltoSpectator (“Crime Writer”)
JHU Press – http://twitter.com/JHUPress
‘Maryland Moment’ – http://twitter.com/marylandmoment (Post Blog)
Maryland Morning – http://twitter.com/MarylandMorning
MASN Sports – http://twitter.com/kate_wheeler (M.E., Os Buzz Blog)
MD Politics Today – http://twitter.com/mdpolitics
MD Reporter – http://twitter.com/MDReporter (Editors)
MD Reporter – http://twitter.com/lenlazarick (Len Lazarick)
MD Reporter – http://twitter.com/meganpoinski (Megan Poinski)
Patch
North Baltimore Patch – http://twitter.com/Bmorejourno (Adam Bednar)
Patch.com – http://twitter.com/DougDonovan (Balto. & Harford Editor)
Patch.com – http://twitter.com/nickdimarco (Nick DiMarco, Timonium Editor)
Patch.com – http://twitter.com/TimoniumPatch (Lutherville/Timonium)
Patch.com – http://twitter.com/bpsears (Bryan P. Sears)
Patuxent Publishing
Managing Editor – http://twitter.com/sunjack (Jack Gibbons)
Maryland Family/Howard Magazine Editor – http://twitter.com/JenBroadwater
Social Media Editor – http://twitter.com/patuxentchuck (Charles Schelle)
Explore Baltimore County
General News – http://twitter.com/explorebaltco
Clary, Craig – http://twitter.com/ClaryBCSports (Sports)
Coffin, Nelson – http://twitter.com/CoffinBCSports (Sports)
Conlin, Brian – http://twitter.com/CTimes_Brian (Catonsville, Arbutus)
Fulbright, Lauren – http://twitter.com/Lauren_CTimes (Catonsville, Arbutus)
Thompson, Jay – http://twitter.com/PatuxentJay (General Assignment)
Worgo, Tom – http://twitter.com/worgobcsports (Sports)
Explore Carroll Co. – http://twitter.com/explorecarroll
Explore Howard Co. – http://twitter.com/explorehoward
Press Box – http://twitter.com/PressBoxOnline
Sher, Richard – http://twitter.com/richard_sher
Smart CEO – http://twitter.com/smartceo
Steiner, Marc – http://twitter.com/marcsteiner (Public Radio Host)
Washington Post Baltimore – http://twitter.com/Wapostbaltimore
Washington Post, Carla Correa – http://twitter.com/pinkgrammar (Social Media)
What’s to Eat – http://twitter.com/WhatsToEatBmore (Liz Stambaugh)
Social media is just one of many online communication strategies that is exploding with both opportunity and growth.
In its infancy, social media is still a mystery to most organizations in their understanding what it is and if, how and when it can help them communicate with their target audiences.
Enter the social media “expert.” Recently we came across two companies in the mid-Atlantic that, according to their Web sites, offer an impressive menu of social media services with each of them wrapped in a security blanket of their “expertise.”
So, with something as new and “mysterious” as social media, how can a company make an informed decision when selecting a firm to help them with their social media initiatives?
Checking references is the logical first step. Or is it? We think checking out the Web site may be the most telling way to verify the promised expertise.
For example, a quick tour of the Web sites of each of the two social media “expert” firms reveals that they rarely blog (way less then even once a month!) and when they have posted a blog, it’s been blatant self promotion rather than to share their social media knowledge.
One of the two firms does not even have a Twitter account. The other posts infrequent and inconsequential tweets, missing an opportunity to showcase its experience, knowledge and yes, expertise in a forum tailor-made for such ongoing education.
However, each company does have a presence on Facebook as well as on LinkedIn.
A blog, a Twitter account, LinkedIn and Facebook are typically the foundation of a social media strategy. Based on that, these firms are batting less than .500 in their own social media strategy.
We take the meaning of “expertise” seriously and believe others do as well. We suggest that companies who market themselves as experts in something should demonstrate it at every opportunity.
We also suggest that the best demonstration of an expertise in social media is to actually use it.
It’s the ‘walk the talk’ thing at work again.
If you don’t follow @ScottMonty (left) on Twitter, you should.
Whether you agree with the bailout plan or not (O.K., in Ford’s case, it’s “assurance we can get a line of credit if the economy worsens,” he will tell you on Twitter), Ford Motor Co.’s global digital and multimedia communications manager demonstrates how social media can work for an organization.
Seemingly at work all hours in recent weeks, Scott Monty answers questions about the plan, directs people to a Web site set up over the Thanksgiving weekend to address the topic, shares a link to the plan submitted to Congress, posts his boss’s testimony – plus he’ll add a bit of personal comment along the way (we learned Scott and his young family flew from Boston to Detroit last week as they completed their move from Greater Boston to Michigan; now they’re living among cardboard boxes).
The corporate press release, the Web site (12/13 update: excluding the video conversations featuring Ford execs), the talking points – even Ford CEO Alan Mulally’s testimony – are all scripted. Scott Monty’s comments are not, and he’s responding to just about anyone on Twitter who makes a comment about Ford or asks a question. Go ahead and try it and you’ll get a genuine response. And you’ll also see the occasional post such as this one: “I told Alan that if things turn nasty in DC, he should take the Mustang and do donuts on the Capital lawn. 
”
That’s the difference between stiff one-way traditional communications and social media. Sure, social media is riskier, but if executed properly it makes even the behemoth corporation feel more real and in touch with its customers.
We recently met with a real estate client, owner of commercial and recreational properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, to begin 2009 planning. Imagine our delight when “social media” was at the top of the meeting’s agenda!
We were impressed when the communications manager began the discussion about social media with “we 
need you to help us get under way the right and best way possible; to get our executives comfortable with the brave new world of social media; and to integrate this campaign into the other communications activities.”
As we begin to devise the firm’s overall social media strategy, we’ve already provided the communications manager with these steps for getting the real estate firm’s executives up-to-speed and on board with social media so they’ll appreciate our recommendations even more:
#1 – Sign up for an RSS feed to receive updates from thought-leaders and others in the real estate industry. Just experiment, learn and explore. If you’re a newbie and that’s all you get out of this post, it’s enough for now. And it’s free. Here’s a great video clip from Common Craft on what “our friend, the RSS reader” is all about.
#2 – Read blogs relevant to your segment of the industry, using your new RSS reader. Ask others who they follow and when you find real estate bloggers you like, check out their blogrolls (a blogger’s list of their favorite blogs in the sidebar of their blog) to find out who they follow. Mix it up. When you get bored of some, find others and keep building and tweaking your list.
#2a – If this seems like enough for now, stop, enjoy your RSS and blog reading and return to this list later.
#3 – Become familiar and get involved with social networking sites. Begin with LinkedIn and Facebook (where you’ll be
surprised at all the relevant sub-groups worth joining and tracking). Sign up for accounts even if you don’t understand why you should join; a lot of these social media applications don’t make a lot of sense at the beginning and new applications and uses are always being added, so being part of the network now puts you at a much greater advantage.
#4 – Get involved with Twitter, first by simply setting up a personal account and listening to what others are saying about your company and industry. Once you get a feel for how Twitter works you can move from “lurker” to a participant in the conversations.
#5 – Finally, explore and learn even more by signing up for webinars, listening to podcasts, learning what a widget is, what a wiki is, how people are sharing and commenting on pictures with Flickr, how organizations are using YouTube channels, etc. This might sound confusing today, but tackle one new element at a time and pretty soon you’ll catch up.
We urge the company’s executives to take these five steps at their own pace, beginning with signing up for an RSS reader to begin their journey. It’s more about jumping in and participating than finding the ideal “how-to” book.
BALTIMORE, Md. (November 10, 2008) – Fastspot, a Baltimore-based interactive agency serving clients nationwide, has selected Maryland PR firm Sawmill Marketing Public Relations for a national public relations campaign to increase awareness of the firm’s design and technology expertise, including its work in key industry segments such as higher education and associations.
Founded in 2001, Fastspot is a woman-owned agency whose clients include Bucknell University, American Beverage Association, Discovery Communications, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and Dickinson College.
Sawmill is implementing comprehensive national and social media relations campaigns as well as online communications and a speaker program.
About Fastspot
Fastspot is a premiere interactive agency, widely recognized for its strategic award-winning work, collaborative approach with its clients and its ability to deliver successful, long-lasting solutions. Headquartered in Baltimore, the firm works with clients across the country who seek to develop highly creative and complex marketing, advertising or business solutions. The firm has a particular expertise working with associations, colleges and universities, museums and cultural organizations, architectural and technology firms. For more information, visit www.fastspot.com
About Sawmill Marketing Public Relations
Sawmill Marketing Public Relations, headquartered in Baltimore, is a Baltimore PR agency established in 1995 specializing in the development and execution of marketing public relations programs as business development strategies for business-to-business, business-to-consumer and professional services clients. The Maryland PR firm specializes in media relations, media training, crisis communications and social media. For additional information, visit www.sawmillmarketing.com To read Sawmill’s blog on public relations trends visit www.sawmillpr.wordpress.com
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Today’s front page article about the election in local business newspaper The Daily Record is the most recent example of our 
success in getting coverage for clients by quickly responding to reporters’ Tweets for interview sources. In this case, it resulted in Tracey Halvorsen (left), creative director and principal of Fastspot, being interviewed and photographed for the story.
In just the past several days, we’ve connected our clients with reporters tweeting for help from outlets including USA Today, local media outlets located around the country as well as those in our own backyard. The immediacy of Twitter is a growing “how did I do my job before this?” asset for reporters (and especially those on deadline!) while PR people have access to interview opportunities they likely would not have known about otherwise. The 140 maximum characters requires that Tweets be short, sweet and to the point – a plus for reporters as well as those responding to their requests for help.
Tweets from reporters will certainly continue to grow and very likely rise to the top of their preferred way of trolling for interview sources, especially when in a hurry. Like so many other things in life, you need to be player (and specifically a Twitterer) to successfully participate in this important discussion.
Where are you?
Photo: The Daily Record
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BALTIMORE, Md. (October 6, 2008) – AOEware, a Philadelphia-based software company that has created an online tool that bridges the gap between social networking and social computing, has selected Maryland PR firm Sawmill Marketing Public Relations for a national launch campaign to promote the company’s newest product BINDpoint, described as “instant messaging on steroids.”
While traditional chat systems focus on users connecting via peer-to-peer services, BINDpoint, a free 
service, provides people with the ability to connect instantly without needing to install and configure instant messaging software. Using just a web browser or supported mobile device, people can interact instantly with multiple online communities by way of its streamlined, non-intrusive interface.
Sawmill is implementing a comprehensive national and trade media relations campaign as well as a social media program that will include outreach to gaming, online and business communities.
About AOEware
AOEware is a software company offering a unique “open architecture” messaging platform that provides real-time communications without the creation of a “walled garden.” Its mission is to support the progression of social networking as it evolves into a world of social computing. The firm’s core product, BINDpoint, functions as an interactive communication and collaboration system for individuals, communities and commercial organizations. For more information visit www.AOEware.com
About Sawmill Marketing Public Relations
Sawmill Marketing Public Relations, headquartered in Baltimore, is a Baltimore PR agency established in 1995 specializing in the development and execution of marketing public relations programs as business development strategies for business-to-business, business-to-consumer and professional services clients. The Maryland PR firm specializes in media relations, media training, crisis communications and social media. For additional information, visit www.sawmillmarketing.com To read Sawmill’s blog on public relations trends visit www.sawmillpr.wordpress.com
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We gave a presentation on PR (that included a segment on social media) to an international sales and marketing organization last week, and the Q&A segment reinforced something we’ve been saying all year:
“With all the talk and hype about social media, most organizations are just beginning to get into the game, and those that are already testing the waters are doing just that…discovering what makes sense and not trying to cram every social media technique in the book into their plans.”
We call it “practical public relations.”
As we mentioned in an earlier post, even the so-called social media gurus aren’t doing much more than the following: Facebook, blogging and LinkedIn. If you’re not there yet, that’s a good place to begin. A good second step would be implementing a video strategy and then seeing whether Twitter makes sense as part of your communications strategy.
Of course there’s a host of “shiny objects” to consider, but many are so new and untested it really doesn’t make sense to attempt them at the get-go, just to appear hip and claim you’re now into social media.
What does make sense is investing the time and money in research first, including an audit of your target audience, followed by the development of a practical social media plan that dovetails with your other marketing goals. Piling on social media gadgets just to say you did it doesn’t seem like a smart idea or a wise use of resources.
We recently met with a real estate client, owner of commercial and recreational properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, to begin 2009 planning. Imagine our delight when “social media” was at the top of the meeting’s agenda!
need you to help us get under way the right and best way possible; to get our executives comfortable with the brave new world of social media; and to integrate this campaign into the other communications activities.”
surprised at all the relevant sub-groups worth joining and tracking). Sign up for accounts even if you don’t understand why you should join; a lot of these social media applications don’t make a lot of sense at the beginning and new applications and uses are always being added, so being part of the network now puts you at a much greater advantage.
success in getting coverage for clients by quickly responding to reporters’ Tweets for interview sources. In this case, it resulted in Tracey Halvorsen (left), creative director and principal of Fastspot, being interviewed and photographed for the story.
Tweets from reporters will certainly continue to grow and very likely rise to the top of their preferred way of trolling for interview sources, especially when in a hurry. Like so many other things in life, you need to be player (and specifically a Twitterer) to successfully participate in this important discussion.
