Comments on: Can We Please Talk About Something Else?

By: TalstoneDJ

TalstoneDJ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:50:19 +0000

Thanks Tom. I'm not against social media.I use it all the time.It just isn't smart to talk about one thing all the time. We also need to talk about other valuable tools available that enhance social media and vice-versa.Otherwise, are we not leading people down a narrow-minded path? Just a thought. Really appreciate your thoughts and willingness to comment.

By: Andrea Marlow

Andrea Marlow — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:16:47 +0000

Amen to your suggestion of updating/revamping Web sites. I cannot tell you how many times I've engaged with an organization through Twitter or Facebook, only to be linked through to a horribly depressing Web site. Yikes! Perhaps instead of reading "Twitter for Dummies" such organizations should pick up "Web sites 101."
Thanks for the great post!

By: Suzanne Dewey

Suzanne Dewey — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:48:56 +0000

What a great post with thoughtful comments lining up as well. I am relieved to hear more than one marketing professional indicate that social media is not the only conversation that we should be engaging in. DJ, you ask some very useful questions especially in the experiential marketing arena. So often our health care services ARE the marketing elements. And, sometimes in our excitement with other tools, we overlook some of the basic and less thrilling standards.

I do want to point out that I "know" the three who commented above via our connecting on Twitter. Just like the conversation in this blog, social media has some side benefits of helping us engage and be reflective in ways we may not have been able to in earlier days.

We are fortunate to have new tools in out tool-box for new connections and engagement. We also have those old standards and with a thoughtful integrated strategy, we can help our organizations reach lofty goals using the combination. And to one of DJ's points, doing a quick check in on our actual service lines to make sure they are as appealing as the marketing messages touting them, can only be a positive.

Thanks for the reminder that there is more to our work than the social stuff!!

By: Jonathan Richman

Jonathan Richman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:07:15 +0000

But social media is fun. Who wants to do all these “basic” activities when you can strike forth and blaze new trails?

The answer is no one. The new, sexy, shiny toy gets all the press, but the consistent and dependable tactics are what keep the lights on. Over time if these aren’t done well, no one’s going to be left to pay for the Internet access to get to Facebook.

Thanks for getting everyone back on track.

By: Jim - medXcentral

Jim - medXcentral — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:04:59 +0000

Unfortunately, for so many, the conversation of social media in health care is still brand new. Therefore, though we consider it old news, the story is fresh for many.

Regarding proper use and other things we can discuss: I love what you’ve covered above. None should be exclusive. A well done, clean, easy to navigate educational website should be the cornerstone of your internet presence with social media being an extension of your customer service…not your marketing team. Great customer service educates and leaves the best memory possible in the client’s mind. And, that….well, that’s great marketing.

The health care industry needs to let go of the rigid ROI conversation with respect to social media and simply accept it as an extension of the inner-office experience they provide to their patients. That will make the “why” much easier to comprehend. After all, who does not accept the idea that good…scratch that…great customer service positively impacts the bottom line and the quality of one’s brand?

Traditional marketing, such as print, should be used to increase awareness of the new level of social intimacy available to prospective clients through the various social media online venues while welcoming the “old school” to continue “their way.” No medium has 100% penetration.

So, DJ, I agree. Social Media is being discussed endlessly. And, any business who does not try to build the complete package is missing the point.

By: TalstoneDJ

TalstoneDJ — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:28:29 +0000

Thanks Tom. I’m not against social media.I use it all the time.It just isn’t smart to talk about one thing all the time. We also need to talk about other valuable tools available that enhance social media and vice-versa.Otherwise, are we not leading people down a narrow-minded path? Just a thought. Really appreciate your thoughts and willingness to comment.

By: Tom Stitt

Tom Stitt — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:13:31 +0000

DJ – As Ronald Reagan would have said, “there you go again, getting all practical and down-to-earth.” OK, maybe he wouldn’t have said it quite like that. In spite of my various rants about billboards and my other favorite whipping boy, the print Yellow Pages, I’m actually a very open minded guy about marketing methods including those that involve ink, paper, professional cameras scripts and directors.

Seems to me we need a 3D block diagram that clearly associates broad concepts like social media and community conversations with specific tactics, measurement, decision/evaluation trees and budget guidelines.

Know any good designers?