Getting Started in Social Media

We receive many questions from sports teams and athlete training centers regarding social media and so, are launching a series on social media. We will share the many lessons we've learned through hard knocks and will also bring in subject matter experts.

Our focus is on the teams, coaches, training centers and athletes who look at technology as a competitive tool. In this case, how to use social media to start and maintain a "conversation" with fans, athletes and other stakeholders related to the sports organization or facility.

First, an online community is an interactive group of people joined together by a common interest. It's also one of the most powerful tools a sports team or training center can deploy to retain fans, develop word of mouth buzz and gain customer insight. To host a successful community, think of it as you would product development: Start by focusing on objectives, chart a road map, and absolutely plan to be flexible. Then build your success by launching the community with the backing of your most enthusiastic fans or athlete customers and staying engaged as the community grows. Above all, remember that control is in the hands of the members, so put their needs first, build trust, and become an active part of the community.

Next, another primary benefit of social media is its ability to build relationships and communities between individuals who share interests and who would not be brought together otherwise except for those interests. If you play the role of bringing people together around a team, training service or sports interest, social media becomes a powerful way to increase your credibility and provide a unique service.

2 Easy ways to get started with social media

1. Develop a social media strategy YESTERDAY. Deciding to put together a social media strategy is like deciding to have the sex talk with your kids. Either you can be the one to explain, or you can leave it to TV, their friends – or the internet. Social media is here and many, many organizations are leveraging this method of communication. But it’s wise to learn and make decisions about how to use it so it doesn’t use you.

2. Choose the critical few social media applications. Over the course of this series we will identify and highlight the many forms of social media. No one says you have to use every single social media application that’s out there. Choose a few and choose carefully. Ask yourself: Who is my ideal customer? What is important to our fans? What's important to our athletes? And which tool will help them connect with our sports organization in an easy and relevant way?

One bit of warning. This is not easy. It takes time and a solid commitment, but it's worth it and becomes a great opportunity to become a part of the "conversation".