twitter is a platform not a news agency

Posted by luke on Sep 2, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

I really wanted to comment on this article from Bluhalo about twitter “beating” news agencies, but sadly no commenting allowed?

Can we please stop saying “twitter beats news agencies with x y z story” its nonsensical, twitter is a PLATFORM, news agencies are a business.

The fact that it “beat” news agencies to report the story, misses the point – do we/did we ever say mobiles “beat” news agencies to the story when the first on the spot report is called in from a mobile? No, of course not.

So why do we feel the need to do this with twitter?

I’m a twitter fan as much as the next agency guy, and yes I’ve used the Hudson river plane photo as a good example of the immediacy and viral power of twitter but it’s another tool that can be used by the news agencies, not a competitor.

ASA to govern online ads and social networking messages

Posted by luke on Sep 1, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

From March 2011 the ASA remit will be extended to include online advertising, and more interestingly, social networking type messages:

…Marketing communications in other non-paid-for space under their control, such as social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Generally I think it’s a good idea to have the same protections for consumers online as in print.

What does this mean for you?

• Consider doing a comprehensive content audit to check that your website complies with the guidelines.
• Ensure your employee handbook covers social networking communications too so that all staff are aware that what they say on these platforms may be covered by the guidelines.
• Update staff to explain that Facebook/Twitter etc are now covered by this code.

More info: ASA Digital Remit Extension

By no means do I claim to be an expert on ASA code, all comments/discussion welcome below.

being a non-geek for charity

Posted by luke on Aug 26, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

Inspired by my favourite bit of course feedback from my training session on Wed:

Excellent seminar this morning on Social Media by Luke @socialtech I’d recommend his straight forward nongeek approach (@poolefamilylaw)

…I thought I’d share with you all one of my secret special training methods…

Any time I use a “buzzy word” (yuk), technical term without explanation or unnecessary acronym… I invite my clients/audience/hecklers to point it out. I keep a score, then donate £1 to charity for each one.

On Wednesday I raised £1, this make me happy.

That makes £8 in the last few months, which I’m donating to the relief effort in Pakistan + a bit more I’ll chuck in myself.

At first it was quite hard but as time’s gone on I think this simple thing has made a big difference to my workshops.

Sssshhh don’t tell anyone, ok?

a new work process and a wobbly site

Posted by luke on Aug 4, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

We’ll be making some changes to socialtech.biz to make it our main site and to make SocialTech Solutions reflect the wider things we offer (inc. eBusinessMedia.tv)… we’re using a get-it-done method, rather than a get everything perfect and never get it done.

Hopefully we’ll come out the other side with a shiny improved web presence…

ILM article from the Edge magazine

Posted by luke on Aug 2, 2010 in Blog | 3 comments

I have been interviewed for an article on “building your brand online” in Edge magazine (Institute of Leadership & Management) alongside a few other industry figures.

“as the internet becomes increasingly important for business, using digital communications and social networks to increase sales and reach new audiences is a trend that’s steadily growing. But whether the aim is to improve customer engagement or increase the bottom line, online presence needs to be carefully managed…” (Article by Sue Weekes)

Great article, I’m very honoured to of been asked for some quotes… and have them used! Check it out: “building your brand online” (Edge magazine)

UK Business Book Festival

Posted by luke on Jul 28, 2010 in Blog | 0 comments

Another cool business/tech/web event to tell you about:

The UK Business Book Festival on Sept 10th

I’m very honoured to of been asked to speak during the ignite session and get involved with the event in general… sadly, I’m out of the country on that day but that doesn’t stop me sharing it with you.

Regular readers of this blog will know I’m passionate about growing more of a tech/creative community in Bournemouth (from my involvement in Startup-meetup, meetdraw and Bar Camp Bournemouth) and events like this form an integral part in focussing attention on this part of the world.

If you’d like to present at the ignite session (5 min slots) please drop me a line and I’ll put you in touch with the organisers.