The Bottom Line
Power Friending gives the information and encouragement needed to start, build and maintain a positive presence in the social media arena. By means of 1) definitions, 2) examples and 3) the ABCs of social media ethics, Amber Mac weaves clarity into what may be perceived as clutter.
Description
- Written by Amber Mac
- Published by The Penguin Group
- Covers the basics: from the history of social media, to the how-to of a successful social media campaign.
- Teaches the tools and rules of social media and how to use them to your advantage.
Pros
- Clear, concise, an easy read.
- Authors’ zeal and enthusiasm for this type of media is contagious.
Cons
- While the book does teach exactly what to do, its going to take some significant effort and real commitment to be successful. It's going to involve more than opening a couple of social accounts and waiting for customers. Who knew?
The Review
Power Friending acknowledges the fear and frustration involved as people and companies venture into this unknown medium. These fears are calmed and frustrations eased as Amber Mac builds a very strong case in favor of using social media. Why should businesses use social media? Because of statics like these:
- 95% of businesses say they plan to use social media.
- As of 2009, 78% of social media users interact with companies or brands via new media sites and tools.
- If Facebook were a country, counting its users as citizens, it would be the world’s fourth largest, between the USA and Indonesia.
Amber Mac clearly defines the powerful role social media has on influencing the actions and reactions of an ever growing online population. “If you haven’t adopted social media in a significant way you risk shutting out the best and most powerful communications channel we’ve ever known.”
To be seen and heard online, social media must be both 1) part of the plan and then 2) executed properly. Chapter Three “The Rules” breaks down the ABCs of Internet friending that must be know before entering the online space.
- A: Authenticity
- B: Bravery
- C: Consistency
Ignoring these rules could spell disaster, and it has for some, as discussed in Power Friending.
Chapters 4 and 5 discuss Tools and The Strategy. "There is a place for every business in the social media world. The key thing is to understand the tools available to you and how to use them effectively." In these chapters the author breaks down the major tools like Blogs, Social Networking, Podcasts and Mobile tools, explaining what each one is and how to manage them to your best advantage. With gems like the "Ten Best Practices To Share With Your Social Media Team" and "Resourcing Your Strategy From The Inside Out" all that’s left is to put these things into practice.
Chapter six "The Execution" is about how to take the tools and put them to use. Included are tips about writing good content, how much and how often to post or tweet. Amber Mac also discusses how to get good video, from the type of camera and microphone needed to tips on zooming, lighting and a lot more. Not knowing how to use the tools can feel like going into battle with the unknown, but with the guidance of this chapter, you can trade in your stiff combat boots for a snazzy pair of cross trainers.
Power Friending closes of with some stories of success and failure. There is a lot to be learned from what worked and what didn’t. These real life examples will help in forming your own campaigns.
In chapter nine the author talks about the future of social media, and as she puts it, “Whether you are an international star, or a one-person team in a small rural town, nurturing online connections is critical for your business to survive, and critical to keep your business relevant in years to come.”
If you are serious about growing your business online you need to read this book and begin implementing it. If you don't you'll be left behind.
To learn more about the author, and for additional insight into the concepts in the book, read the Interview with Amber Mac.
