Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Wednesday Words: Application Programing Interface (API)

If you have a website/blog for your brand, you may have heard that there are various APIs for social media to use to integrate your website and or forums with that form of social media.  API is short for Application Programming Interface and it allows software applications to interact with other software applications.

With websites, you often have to work with various social media developer tools and their API to get plugins for that social media to work on your website.

A great example of use of social media API is Xenforo forums. They have a plugin which works with Facebook and Twitter's API's to allow users to register and login to forums via their social media accounts.

Another example is the "Like" widgets you can find on various Wordpress based sites (like mine here: http://www.gracesnoke.com ).  These all make use of APIs.

For more information, check out developer tools on Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday Words are a series of definitions released on Wednesday each week regarding a word found specific to Facebook's social media platform, or may be a generic word dealing with social media. These definitions are to help provide you with a better understanding of common and uncommon terms associated with Facebook and social media. You can find all the Wednesday Words by clicking on the Wednesday Words tag below.

Monday, November 3, 2014

The Monday Search: Job Listings Current as of 11/03/14

There are many jobs available out there for people knowledgeable about Social Media, but sometimes finding the job isn't easy.

Don't worry! Each week (when I have time) I will be featuring 3-5 jobs currently available as of Monday. Additional sites will be linked at the very bottom of the article and listed as sources. Other sites may be listed as well.

Here are this week's job listings I found interesting:

The Ad Council is hiring a Director Public Relations and Social Media in New York, NY

Responsibilities

  • Oversees the development, implementation and management of PR/social media programs
  • Counsels Ad Council campaign managers on public relations and social media activities and opportunities designed to extend the reach of the campaigns.
  • Develops and implements programs to raise awareness and increase engagement with the Ad Council’s brand among key constituents (ad agency, media, board, consumers, etc.).
  • Drafts external communications related to Ad Council and campaign news including plans, press releases, presentations and talking points for spokespeople for various events and press conferences.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with bloggers and online press, as well as key influencers; Conducts outreach to national and local press across all media.
  • Conducts research on potential social media and PR agency partners, as well as other strategic partners and potential spokespeople.
  • Reviews and approves messaging/posts and additional content developed for campaign social media channels (i.e. videos, social graphics, etc.).
  • Manages relationships with external PR, social media and digital agencies and freelancers.
  • Drafts Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and evaluates proposals on behalf of Ad Council clients.
  • Writes and edits Ad Council publications including its Board Quarterly, Adlibbing and Annual Report.
  • Monitors Ad Council, campaign, issue and PR/social media industry news coverage, and prepares coverage reports

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5-7 years of experience in public relations and social media
  • Proven media pitching skills and results in all forms of media with proven track record in online/social media (broadcast, print and online)
  • Experience with using social media, including social networks, blogs, mobile/location-based and emerging technologies
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Work, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability to understand technical concepts and convey them in a simple and concise way.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Self-motivated and goal-oriented
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
For more information: http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter-jobs/jobview.asp?joid=173207&c=jfbatl

Salon Media Group, Inc., is hiring an Assistant Social Media Editor in New York, NY

Responsibilities
We’re looking for someone with progressive ideals who is passionate about using social media to connect Salon's stories with our very engaged audience. You will work with our social media editors on our main Facebook and Twitter accounts, and work to grow our audience on feeds connected to Salon's various verticals, as well as on new and emerging social media networks. You will help schedule and build our overnight and weekend social media plans. This editor will also work with Salon's writers and editors to build conversation around our stories. You will also work with our many content partners and work to expand our partnership program.

This editor must be a fast thinker and writer, energetic and engaged with both politics and culture, and a social media junkie. You must also have strong news judgement, and exercise responsibility on all social platforms.

The successful candidate will also understand how to craft, package and write display copy to engage our sophisticated audience.

Qualifications
Strong candidates will live in New York City and have:

  • A minimum 1-2 years writing/editing/social media experience, or exceptional internships and ambition.
  • Tremendous organizational skills under intense deadline pressure
  • A strong familiarity with the Salon brand
  • The ability to react fast, and creatively, to breaking news
  • Experience working in digital media and with social media
  • Experience and success building audience through social networks, or the passion and know-how to strategize engagement and growth
  • Ideas for driving Salon beyond Facebook and Twitter, and growing our readership on Whisper, Pinterest, Tumblr and other social networks
  • The ability to use real-time metrics to guide social strategies

For more information: http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter-jobs/jobview.asp?joid=173191&c=jfbatl

Michelson on Medicine is hiring a Part-Time Social Media Manager in New York New York

Responsibilities
We are looking for a part-time social media manager to develop the online presence for a growing authority in healthcare.

This is for a highly credible expert in medical case management. He is the founder of a newly minted media company that will be creating content on a number of important platforms with a mission to start a movement for changes in medical care.

Expert is publishing his first book in the Fall of 2015. Prior to the launch, we are looking to establish his social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc), recruit an audience of likeminded followers, and build an engaged community that discusses all topics relating to personal health and heath care.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a proven strategy and demonstrable track record for establishing and growing personal brands social media presence. It is also beneficial but not required to have experience in content distribution through Huffington Post, LinkedIn and other platforms.

When you apply, please provide links to pages you have managed as well as relevant audience growth statistics.

The office is located in New York, but candidates can work remotely 10 hours per week minimum, with work to ramp up closer to publication.

For more information: http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter-jobs/jobview.asp?joid=173183&c=jfbatl

Muscular Dystrophy Association is hiring a Social Media Manager in Haymarket, IL

Responsibilities:
  • Manage the organization’s various social media pages and day-to-day social media activities for, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube.
  • Provide strategic social media strategy and counsel to business leaders in the key departments, such as in Research, Healthcare Services and Advocacy, Income Development, Human Resources, etc.
  • Create, curate and manage all published content (images, video and copy) to reach the organization’s clients and supporters.
  • Develop and expand the organization’s online communities and outreach efforts.
  • Create a workable infrastructure and established processes that enhance our collective ability to generate consistent social messaging for the organization in our communities. Establish regular meetings, agenda and priorities for field social media panel that mirrors overall organization program focus and follows communications and marketing calendar. 
  • Work with PR staff to provide and support the development of social media messaging templates that effectively tell our story and can be localized by community-based staff and volunteers for social media. 
  • Listen, respond, ask questions and engage with our online communities in a timely and positive manner.
  • Work in tandem with the VP of PR and Community Programs on breaking news or crisis management situations as needed.
  • Identify threats and opportunities in online user generated content surrounding the organization’s brand and business. Report notable threats to appropriate management. 
  • Develop a strategic and implementation plan for year-round social media campaign promotion.
  • Work with team to design and create promotions and social ad campaigns. The Manager will work with the Digital Marketing lead to outline and manage social ad budget.
  • Identify social media trends, trending topics and relevant opportunities for visibility tied to the organization’s programs and mission.    
  • Help establish, follow and support compliance of nationwide branding, messaging and creative services guidelines.
  • Analyze and measure results of social media projects.
  • Responsible for securing and managing social media-vendor relationships and contracts.  
Requirements:
  • Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Meets commitments.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Oral/Written Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time. Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or related field.
  • At least 2+ years of social media and/or public relations and/or communications experience, ideally for a nationwide organization with a widespread community presence.
  • Demonstrates creativity and documented immersion in social media. (Present links to pages as examples).
  • Displays in-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms, their respective participants (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios.      
  • Proven ability to apply strategic social media objectives as they relate to growing the community and increasing engagement through shares, likes, comments, posts, retweets, regrams, etc.
  • Experience in supporting various campaigns and multiple account management, including measuring and reporting results and insights to the various social platforms.
  • Demonstrated track record in developing and implementing short and long-term social media communication plans, and the ability to work effectively with senior management and partners.
  • Experience in pulling together and influencing a team to create and lead social media initiatives at local and regional levels, exercising leadership/influence without formal authority.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of principles of SEO including keyword research and knowledgeable in the principles of real-time content marketing using both search marketing and social publishing tactics to help your audience find you, and you find them, in order to attract and engage supporters.
  • Demonstrates winning social customer service techniques. Possesses great ability to identify potential negative or crisis situation and apply conflict resolution principles to mitigate issues.
  • Experience in working with social media page management software, e.g., Hootsuite. 
  • Experience preferred in any of the following industries: healthcare, corporate philanthropy, human services or PR agency (with social media responsibilities in these industries) or work with a national nonprofit.
  • Strong content strategy, writing, editing, storytelling, interpersonal, diplomatic and verbal communication skills required.
  • Must possess highly evolved teamwork skills as well as strong time management skills.
  • Strong and effective leader and counselor with a documented track record of success helping organizations develop content that leads to growth of likes, reach, engagement and promotion.
  • Disciplined planner who can plan high quality visual and content-rich social media plans that drive successful outcomes.
  • Knowledge in creating and using Facebook ads to grow online community and preferably drive online donations. 
  • Highly collaborative and strong consensus builder; capable of exercising positive influence in driving outcomes.
  • Excellent project management skills and client-centered orientation. 
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage new and emerging social media channels.
  • Desire and ability to thrive in fast-paced environment.
  • Motivated by mission-driven organization whose aim is ultimately to cure muscle disease and save lives.
  • Capable of not only crafting clear, compelling and consistent online messaging, but successful at building consensus and driving internal alignment so staff at all levels use it effectively.
  • Capable of setting clear priorities, then nimble enough to adjust as new opportunities arise.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications. Plus, experience in using social media software.  

For more information: http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHQ0D96LRSZDRRDQMCL&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=JRKV0B

U-Haul is hiring a Social Media Content Strategist in Phoenix, AZ

Responsibilities
The U-Haul Social Media Team is looking for a Content Strategist who is experienced in the publication of a brand’s content through social channels. This individual will work closely with marketing managers, web analytics and other communications teams to establish a content marketing strategy for U-Haul Social Media profiles and social media administered sites. The ideal candidate understands the channels our audience is using, knows the nuances and context for each, and knows how to maximize company resources to drive impact across digital channels. This position will manage and define the plan for a continuous publishing schedule for social media profiles and social media administered sites, and analyze what content is performing well and how to improve. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated proficiency in earning audience attention through classic inbound techniques (search, social). This includes a solid understanding of SEO and the way to create content that attracts attention. This individual also will work closely with our external partners on content sharing and planning.

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years+ professional experience in developing and analyzing digital campaigns and social media marketing campaigns
  • Undergraduate degree in either Communications, Marketing, Advertising, Statistics, Media Studies, Business and/or related fields
  • Understand SEM and SEO best practices to assist digital team with site and campaign optimization to improve search engine rankings through content marketing.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to provide recommendation based on insights
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, consulting skills and ability to collaborate and work well with others

For more information: http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHN2XD6YDQ42KXLC4Y2&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=JRKV0B

Camping World is hiring a Social Media Specialist in Prairie View, IL

Responsibilities

  • Create, manage and report on day-to-day social media content
  • Interact with consumers/customers in real time on various social media platforms
  • Manage social advertisement campaigns on Facebook and Twitter, requiring consistent status updates to business leaders
  • Partner with Social Media manager to consistently increase consumer loyalty and engagement in social media efforts
  • Identify opportunity areas and conduct research in order to leverage social media activities and strategies
  • Ensure social media platforms and channels are effectively aligned with the Camping World and Good Sam brand and overall business strategy
  • Monitor trends in social media tools and applications, and apply that knowledge to the use of social media strategies within the business
  • May cross train to perform other duties

Qualifications

  • Degree in Marketing/Advertising or Communication, or equivalent experience required
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in social media required
  • Capable of performing tasks independently, and meet objectives with little supervision
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; as well as social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pintrest, and other comparable and up-and-coming social media channels
  • Experience with third-party social media software tools such as SocialBro, Hootsuite, Sprout Social and other relevant social listening or engagement tools
  • Well-developed written, verbal and presentation skills
  • Attention to detail, with excellent follow-up skills
  • Ability to think both creatively and strategically
  • Ability to multi-task and perform in a fast pace, changing environment

For more information: http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHV5PK6ZTYMD1X2VM7Q&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=JRKV0A

Other listings:
The Monday Search is a brief listing of jobs available for those in the social media marketing field. All jobs are found through internet searches and are just featured because they are of interest to me. Monday Searches will contain links to sites with other job listings in addition to the ones listed here.  If you are interested in having a Social Media job opening featured for your company, please send me a message via Facebook on my page or my profile.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Sunday Reflections: The last month

I've often mentioned if I don't get posts written ahead of time, they won't get done and posted on time like they're supposed to.  The lack of posts from the past few weeks is a perfect demonstration of that.  Real life stresses, writing for my day job, other things going on and me just wanting to relax and not do any writing on the weekends led to these posts being behind or, in many cases, not completed at all.

Seeing as November is NaNoWriMo month, in which I am actively going to be participating, and the fact we are buying a house and moving into said house, I am making an effort to have the posts scheduled ahead of time so that all I have to do, in some cases, is put in last minute details.  Other posts will just be scheduled out and ready to go.  I'm also trying to have posts ready to go on other sites I write for so that I don't get overwhelmed and buried again.

As always, I am looking for questions to answer as part of the blog as well.  Please feel free to leave them as comments here or anywhere else.  Also, if you're interested in being a guest blogger on a regular basis (or even just once or twice,) feel free to contact me.