New Media Myths and Misconceptions

I’m really excited to share with you this month’s TOP radio podcast, for two reasons. The first is that this month we’re addressing new media myths and misconceptions – tackling a lot of the issues that I hear about every day.  The second is that joining me is two very good friends:  Sheila Scarborough and Becky McCray.  These two ladies are behind the helm of Tourism Currents, a fabulous “new media education” program.  In plain English:  they teach you everything you need to know about digital media, in a format that is easily digestible and hands-on.  I’d suggest after the call, you pop over to their website to learn more – you can do that by clicking on the logo below!

Listen  Now

The call it just under an hour.  You can listen with the widget below:

Want to listen on your iPhone, iPod, or any other MP3 player?  No problem – download the MP3 here (right click and choose Save As).

Main Discussion Points

Small Business and Rural Areas – does new media care where you’re based?

• Social media and digital technology matters to everybody; it’s particularly important for those in rural communities because it gives small town far more cost effective marketing tool.  Consider a blog, available world-wide, versus having to pay for a number of newspaper ads.
• Once you are connected and available online, you have just as much opportunity as your bigger competitors to sit down and tell your story to an audience. Some of the smaller businesses are the ones that really are doing well – they’re more nimble and the hustle.
• Choose a tool that suits your situation - even if you don’t have good broadband.  Don’t forget about the mobile!  Perhaps you can find a way to tap into the benefits and uses of location-based social media.  Use what you’ve got, where you are.  No excuses!

What’s this about the Return on Investment (ROI) on Social Media?

• The better question is how will you measure your Return On Ignoring.  This is how customers and businesses are going to interact in the future – how can you not get on board?
• There is absolutely no excuse not to have your on web real estate; you need a place online where you can control the content and the message.  The web is not new!
• You can measure the benefits and impact of your website far more clearly than a billboard or a brochure which is still difficult to measure.
• New media is no longer ‘kids play’ – it’s now a mainstream communication tool.
• Lots of measurements available: from Google Analytics tools to GPS geo-location, the measuring tools are seemingly unlimited.  Infinitely more measure than old school media.
• If you don’t think this applies to you, why don’t you go and look at what’s being said about you right now?
• If someone came into your real-world establishment, would you still ignore them?  Probably not.

How do you choose the right social networks & technologies to hang out on?

• What do you enjoy?  If you’re a text person, you’ll enjoy blogging.  If you can’t sit still and like talking, maybe video?  Choose the options that are a fit for you and that you can keep up the momentum.
• Take the work you’re already doing and make it more social - re-purpose stories that you already have and give more people access to them.
• Where are your customers already at?  If you’re not sure, ask them.
• Don’t forget to cultivate your own virtual real estate – a space that you own!

Tech tip:  Check out CinchCash for easy mini-podcast recording.

Keeping Your Focus:

• Tips from the world of yoga:  Do what you can do, and leave the rest behind.
• Tip from Theodore Roosevelt:  Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

The Combination of Digital and Real-World Networking:

• You can connect across timezones – you never know where your customers are.
• Network with people who can help you build a better business – other locals in your regions or other entrepreneurs and business owners.
• It’s social – and fun – so why not connect in every way you can?

Summary Point:  You don’t need permission to get started.  If you’re waiting for permission, then consider it granted – from us!

Learn More about Tourism Currents

Tourism currents is a hands-on learning curriculum to learn the concepts and learn how others in tourism are putting social media tools to good use.  The examples are all tourism examples, small tourism businesses and there are several options available for you to choose the set of courses best for you.

If you’d like to learn more about Tourism Currents, be sure to visit their website by clicking on the logo below:

You can also connect with Sheila or Becky direct:

• Sheila: @SheilaS on Twitter, or on Sheila’s Guide to the Good Stuff
• Becky: @BeckyMcCray, or on Small Biz Survival