Facebook Confessionals

Awhile ago I watched a video produced by Kevin Dugan of the blog Strategic Public Relations. Turned on to his series 'Facebook Confessionals' by a friend who knows I like the facts and figures supporting social media use, I've become a fan of his videos and blog. These videos highlight Dugan's own use of the site and his observations. The commentary and overall subject matter is funny but informative.

I was able to leverage the information in one particular video to make a case for using Facebook in discussions with a client. This client is an independent record label in Los Angeles. I've been working the idea over in calls since March and this video finally did most of the talking for me. By showing them Dugan's second episode to illustrate the number of different traditional media journalists who are registered the client was able to see a value in the service. So....after many long months of discussion we have a Facebook profile up and running profiling the label's electronic press kit. Aligned with the goal of forming relationship with journalists working for niche lifestyle and music publications, the venture has proved useful.

Many companies (and prospective clients) want to utilize social media and the tools which support it, but are scared to give up control-- it is something I see both in the contract work I'm involved in and my full time consulting position. I don't think organizations as a whole have a place on Facebook, but PR, marketing and media professionals are using the site to their own advantage. But just as Dugan mentions in his videos-- content is king. Make your page look as flashy as you want, but in the end viewers need useful and relevant content, it is best to have goals in mind before venturing out there unattended.

Below are the videos, to view more of Dugan's installments check out his YouTube page.

Episode One 'Facebook Video:Too Simple?'


Episode Two 'Fishing for Facebook PR Benefits'


Episode Three 'Is Friend a 4-letter Word on Facebook?':