Monday, December 8, 2008

The End is Just The Beginning.

This is the last post that I "have" to write for my itec-335-social networking class. Also, this is my last IT class as an undergraduate. That's right, I am graduating soon. Last Friday 12/05/2008 was the graduation ceremony for Summer and Fall 2008 students at the American University in Washington DC. I found my name under the "2008 Graduate Candidates", I immediately thought to my self: haha, even the school thinks that some of us might flung. That's why its under "candidates".

From here, I need a vacation. I will probably be in the US. Its better to stay here becasue this way, I can apply and have face-t-face interviews with recruiters regarding jobs.

Idealy, it would be great if I find a job for the spring and summer. A job that I can learn from and not just get paid. I do not mind the job does not pay me monetarily as long as I'm learning from the job. Experience is the best teacher in my opinion and is pricele$$.
While working as full-time, I will be seeking my GMAT score to apply for a graduate degree at AU or GW for the fall of 2009.

Basically, this would be a rough sketch of what I would like in the near future.

I feel that I have a duty to deliver as a college graduate.
My only advice to you would be: take your time--learn--enjoy your self.

I hope to hear from you

Yousif

Monday, December 1, 2008

using Social Media to generate ROI

If you know the equation, all I need to know from you is: how did you get it?

My definition of Social Media: If you are reading this then you are living in the 21st century & therefore should know a little bit about it. If you never heard about social media, then I'm sorry but you might need to read :
"Social Media 101 for dummies"
It is forgiven if you don't have time or just lack the resources to learn about social media. There is no reason why there shouldn't be special programs designed to educate managers and CEO's on social media tools.

It is very important to learn about social media. Especially today for two main reasons:

1- There are always newer tools being launched.

2- Promising returns on Social Media.

Don't waste your time exploring every tool but rather find the one's that are relevant to you and your business.

Here is how to work social media:

Companies should launch a blog/twitter/forum/etc. separate or on the same website and allow comments. Customers can express them selves. Sure you will have negative comments which is why you need to add this:

Have PR to respond to customers and moderate the integrity of the posts.

By using social media, companies are not just creating wealth. More importantly and ethically, the company remains connected and maintains a relationship with its customers.

Now, the tricky part about all of this is how to measure ROI of social media. The short answer to this is: you can't.

Return On Investment ROI can be found on the financial statements of Accountants to measure success or failure. In the case of social media ROI does not have to carry a numeric value.
When you have a conversation, you can not give it a numeric value. Different ratings can be interpreted differently by different people.

Social Media Social media is a golden opportunity for businesses to get involved with customers rather than just creating more wealth. Even if the case was to measure the ROI on social media, it is still difficult to establish a correlation between social media and the end results using current measures.

As always, your comments are welcome