Law Firms and Social Media, Do They Mix?

There comes a time in a persons life when they will need to meet with a lawyer, and this can be a daunting for most people. Luckily, companies such as Trilby Misso are here to help. As a Queenslander and I try to support the local companies that are here to help my community. Trilby Misso started in 1956 with humble beginnings, their vision is to understand personal circumstances whilst serving justice for their clients.

Trilby Misso has adapted to social media and currently has accounts on YouTube, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter. Trilby Misso has been thriving within the Law industry for decades and is now in a position to help the community, and this does not just relate to court cases.

The image above was shared on Trilby Misso’s Twitter page, and depicts their involvement with a charity walk for Parkinson’s Queensland. Looking at their Twitter page will provide a clear indication of what the company is trying to offer, Customer Care. With consistent posts regarding the well-being of the community and its clients, Trilby Misso is doing more than just serving justice. Twitter users have the opportunity to communicate with their account, allowing for positive/negative feedback on their posts.

As social media grows, companies need to utilise this service. Various companies are able to use social media as a form of marketing and customer communication. With a law firm, it’s hard to sell their service straight away because of the complexity of their service. Trilby Misso has created a virtual identity that puts them in a position to be seen as a friendly yet effective team of lawyers. By using social technologies, and sharing stories that matter, potential clients are able to understand that the employees are here for them.. Because they care.

Livestrong providing a social boost for cancer patients.

On the 2nd of October 1996 Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer, Lance was a professional road racing cyclist and had won multiple stages in various races in Europe. However, when Lance was diagnosed with cancer his whole life changed. After immediate surgery and chemotherapy, Lance Armstrong was declared cancer-free in February 1997, which was the same year he started his foundation –  Lance Armstrong Foundation. In 2003, the Livestrong foundation was introduced to replace the Lance Armstrong Foundation. (Livestrong, 2013).

Brief history/milestones of Livestrong

2003

Cancer patients/survivors are able to use online resource Livestrong.org 

2004

Yellow wristbands are launched. 80 million Livestrong bracelets have been sold since (Farah, 2013).

2005-2011

Millions of dollars have been raised to aid in research, care for cancer patients and share the stories on a global scale.

(Livestrong, 2013).

In the years that passed, Lance Armstrong rose to greatness and won seven consecutive Tour De France titles allowing Livestrong to build a larger following. Armstrong was constantly accused of doping, and it was until after his retirement that the truth came out.. This caused Armstrong to take a step down from Livestrong to ensure the foundation doesn’t go down with him.

Livestrong has adapted well to social media, encouraging people to visit their website and gather over 1.7 million likes on Facebook, and more than 500,000 Twitter followers. It’s clear that Livestrong has utilised social technologies for it’s advantage, but also for the millions of cancer patients/survivors around the globe. So how has social technologies helped Livestrong grow?

Use social technologies for marketing communication/interaction 

Using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter, Livestrong is able to communicate with their followers very easily. The Livestrong Facebook page is able to:

• Share cancer survival stories, to inspire and give encouragement to those who are facing cancer
• Provide insightful links, blogs, reports and real life cases to help those with the challenges that occur from cancer
• Share status’ that provoke responses, e.g.  “If you could share one bit of practical advice for someone going through cancer. What would it be?”
• Share links that encourage followers to donate
• Tell stories of those who are going through grief and need support

Having a social media presence can put pressure on a brands image. After the downfall of Lance Armstrong, Livestrong has faced some scrutiny and many that wear the yellow bracelet have received nasty comments. It has it effect, and there would certainly be people would refuse to support Livestrong after such an inspirational figure deceived them. Although many may not wear the bracelet anymore, those that are have a great reason, “To support cancer patients and survivors and teach us how to LIVESTRONG everyday!”. Livestrong has been apart of the cancer community now for over 10 years, and have donated millions of dollars towards cancer research and patient support. With their continuous efforts, Livestrong provides hope and support for those facing cancer experiences.

References

Farah, J. (2013, January 17th). Band Of Gold. 80 Million Livestrong Wristbands Sold. How Mine Helped Me. Retrieved September 12th, 2013, from KFBK News & Radio: http://www.kfbk.com/pages/judyfarah.html?article=10709416

Livestrong. (2013). Milestones. Retrieved September 12th, 2013, from Livestrong: http://www.livestrong.org/Who-We-Are/Our-History/Milestones

Livestrong. (2013). Our History. Retrieved September 12th, 2013, from Livestrong Foundation: http://www.livestrong.org/Who-We-Are/Our-History

Social Technologies Adding Value To Organisations

McKinsey Global Institute published a report in July 2012, regarding the social economy which described how to unlock value and productivity through Social Technologies. Small and large businesses have the opportunity to add value to their company through simple, yet effective tools. Web 2.0 tools such as Wikis, Social Networking and Blogs have valuable functions that businesses have been adding to their procedures to increase productivity for years.

Below is an image sourced from McKinsey Global Institute’s report, it shows ten potential ways for a business to add value internally and across the enterprise.

Today I’d like to explain to you how a business like Skatebiz could add value to their organisation by monitoring and publishing posts on their Facebook page. As a teenager I enjoyed finishing school, grabbing my skateboard and going to my local skatepark. Skatebiz provides some of the latest and coolest designs on the market for skateboards, clothes (shirts, pants, shoes, hats etc) in stores around Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Capalaba) with friendly, professional advice. They ship around Australia for free and also internationally at great prices, so how can Social Technology help Skatebiz?

Strategies to add value

• Marketing and Sales

A Facebook/Instagram page can generate thousands of views in a day if the correct marketing tactics are in place. For example, if Skatebiz was to receive the latest Nike shoes designed by professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez and offered a chance to win a pair simply by liking/sharing the image. Wouldn’t you see lots of kids sharing and liking the image? That’s right, by offering something in return to the customers they feel more obliged to help you market your products. Smart marketing and consistent relate-able content can help your customers see your new ideas, plans and products whilst also receiving feedback.

• Customer Service

Call centers have been used for years for customers who are inquiring about products, trading hours and jobs or customers who are providing feedback. This can be expensive and very annoying (Calling businesses and being hold is never fun!) but social technology can help! Customers have the ability to communicate with the business via their Facebook/Instagram page. This simple method allows the customer to not only receive feedback from the business but also the community.

A customer making an enquiry about shoe stock

 

Adding value to a business is easy when you have social technology! I love being able to search my favourite brands on Facebook and see the latest products they have, but also see what the community is saying about it..

 

That’s it guys, remember to leave your feedback and finally I would like to share with you a documentary created by my friend and local Brisbane filmmaker/skateboarder Kane Stewart that was released on the 17th of August.
Thanks!

Web 2.0 Technologies Used to Increase Productivity

Welcome to this weeks blog, and I’d also like to thank those who have commented and gave me feedback about my first post. Web 2.0 technologies when used effectively have a great lure for organisations that are trying to create a connection with their customers, or improve communications with internal employees and external suppliers/partners. But what can Web 2.0 technologies do for a student or just an everyday person? This post will discuss how Web 2.0 can help with assignments and productivity.

First Tool

One of my personal favourite Web 2.0 tools are Wikis. Wikis are used commonly to create, edit, share a web page that has text content including hyperlinks and images. A perfect example of a Wiki that has increased my productivity during semesters is Google Drive.

Nearing the end of my first two semesters I found myself having to search and gather all the files I had used over multiple devices to prepare my necessary study sheet. This changed however, when I decided to start taking my notes through Google Drive. After dotting down information in lectures and closing my laptop it was as simple as opening a web page in my phone and within seconds I am able to view the study sheet while sitting on the train heading home. This not only increased how easy it was for me to take notes and share them between devices, but I could also share them with my friends where they could also add their own content.

Second Tool

One of the biggest Web 2.0 tool that is used worldwide by billions of people is Social Networking. Social Networking allows different individuals to connect to each other very simply. Popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have created new opportunities for jobs, relationships and ideas to be shared. With group assignments being delegated through the semester it’s important to have communication with each of the group members. Using the Social Networking site Facebook we’re able to set up a group page that is private and allows us to communicate very easy about ideas, requirements and specifications. This Web 2.0 tool is not only useful for teams trying to communicate, but also everyday people who are posting between friends about potential weekend plans.

Finally, I’d to talk about a new experience I had with podcasting. Podcasting is similar to a series of episode regarding specific topics. While studying for another subject I was able find a series of podcasts that helped discuss and explain the information I was trying to understand. With a simple video and engaging content the filmmaker really entices the viewers to stick around and learn the content.

Web 2.0 technologies offer something for everyone and can not only help the productivity of individuals but also generate opportunities for businesses that are looking to increase there scope and scale-ability. I hope you enjoyed this post and remember to leave any feedback!

Successful Blogging

Where to begin? For me blogging has become a form of expression and a way to connect with others from around the world that have similar interests. However, from personal experience I find it very hard to keep the reader’s attention whilst also ensuring that they are returning to my blog. In high school, I was frequently on tumblr posting my thoughts, images and videos. Now that I am in University, one of the requirements for my course is to create an online presence and blog about particular interests and topics relating to emerging technologies.

So what makes a blog successful?

1. Keep your readers attention

Before I was able to write this blog, I needed to view the work of my peers and see how they were able to relate their work with the topic and how they were attracting their readers. For me, I struggled to stay on a blog longer than a paragraph or two, simply because there was far to much text. For that reason, here’s an image of a guy on a bicycle.

2. Clear content, displayed correctly

It’s important that a successful blog provides a clear perspective that is presented in the correct way. By choosing the correct theme for your blog, it allows users to get a great first impression and entice readers.

 

3. Virtual Identity – Let the readers know who you are personality wise

The strategy I plan to use to create a personal brand is to provide an interesting, entertaining, yet informative view on selected topics that cater for the majority of individuals who will visit my blog. However, there will always be people who have different opinions and choose to go somewhere else.

Bloggers are very similar to YouTube personalities, for example:

Ray William Johnson

You’ve probably seen many of his videos, and like me you’re probably over seeing them.. YouTube and blogs are very similar, if the content is not interesting or doesn’t connect with you, it’s hard to stay around and continue to listen or read any more.

 

Example of an interesting blog

One of my personal favourite blogs is the Los Angeles Leakers. As a music enthusiast, I try to keep up with the latest tracks, albums, interviews and news on some of my favourite artists. They provide constant updates for new and old artists whilst also keeping it short and simple.

 

This is the end of my first post, and I hope you stuck around to read what was discussed. Please make sure to leave your feedback and make sure to return next week to see what I can come up with! But for now, I’m just going to leave this video, enjoy 🙂