The Art and Science of Social Media and Community Relations

As a rather new kid on the block, the social media and media relations lacks the kind of expertise that is gained throughout the years on the field. According to Brian Solis in his book The Art and Science of Social Media and Community Relations despise the science behind social media, all the theories and concepts developed, there are shortage of hands-on-specialists and how-to-do-know-how. He puts the new found emphasis on the old saying “it’s easier said than done”.

Probably companies would do if they only knew how. Social media provided endless array of media forms, forums, individuals, communities and networks. Without a legitimate history of applying social media relations, companies face instantly the overwhelming task to focus to find their targets and channels. After that the building of networks, initiating conversations and getting to know people may begin. If companies expect fast, measurable results like in buying market space, they are about to surprise.

To be honest to me, based on the Solis’ book, building up the networks via social media sounds extremely time-consuming. Additionally, as any other business communication operation, it requires well-planned strategy and patience to carry out long-term projects. Actually it seem resembling rather much the real life when one, say, moves to new city or a neighborhood.

Maybe the fast paced and innovative nature of new social media confuses people to assume that operating on the field and applying concepts into practice is fast, in-and-out-kind of, impulsive range of actions as well. However, seems that the basic nature of communication never changes.

The art of successful social media relations consists of default requirements of a good core idea, a good plan, commitment and vision for the future. Just as any business operation.