How to add value in social media networks II

A common imperative amongst social media experts is: “Add value!” To be able to create active communities and a strong social media presence, we have to contribute with “valuable content”. Okay, but how..?

I have been doing some research and found some points that might guide us when we try to “add value”. In my last post I wrote about how we can add value in our own created communities on sites like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, but working with a strong social media strategy in the performing arts we also need to be present in forums, blogs and other social media sites. Here are some thoughts that we should have in mind when “visiting others”: How we can add valuable content and contribute in a way that will be noticed by the community members.

Share knowledge

Today people go to the internet to ask, share and recommend information to gain knowledge in different fields. Social media is in itself created by sharing, and everybody loves somebody who is generously sharing their experience and expertise. In performing arts organizations there are so many people with expertise in different professional fields which could enable presence and sharing in many forums.

Dare to take a stand and express opinion

When we discuss, answer questions, chat and participate in forums it makes it more interesting if there are personal thoughts, opinions and a standing point behind. Publicity does not take a stand, but social media is a tool for communication and we go to forums as private persons and should therefore expose ourselves. We have to remember that we are representatives for an organization though!

Make sure that your information is correct

We always have to make sure that the information is right before clicking! As representatives for an organization we don’t want to seem unprofessional, unclear and spread the wrong information. It is always much easier to “think before” than to “take back” in social media.

Encourage the development of performing arts communities

It is important for us in the performing arts sector to always and always encourage the development of different discussion forums, ning communities, blogs etc. The performing art sector needs to be supported and all initiatives should be encouraged. By adding information, answering questions and recommending different blogs in our Facebook groups we make audiences grow and the performing arts sector develop.