An essential read for any marketer looking to understand how blogs, podcasts, social networks and other Web 2.0 tools can help you connect on a deeper level with your customers and prospects.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Corporate marketers charging into the unfamiliar waters of social media can have the same effect as crashing a cocktail party uninvited and uninformed about rules, etiquette and people--thereby alienating the very communities they're trying to reach.
That's why "Social Media is a Cocktail Party" is such a useful paradigm for understanding how best to understand the strategy and tactics for marketing on the social web.
Jim Tobin and Lisa Braziel have crafted a clever and insightful guide with practical examples that give meaning and direction for smart social media programs. It's a must read for marketers and PR professionals of all sizes." --Lee Odden, CEO of TopRankMarketing.com (from the back cover)
Review
"You have an open invite to join the social media Cocktail Party. Before you show up, you must buy this book so you'll know how to enter the room, join the conversation, and engage your audience."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
First off, it's easy to read. The analogies never end and while I'm a tech person with a firm understanding of social media the analogies just confirmed so much for me and even prepared me to better share with others what Twitter, blogging and social media is all about. The details on the social media tools are already outdated a little (Is anyone on MySpace besides bands now), but this is an inevitable problem.
It's clear that Jim's background is marketing. That was key for me to realize because I quickly learned that the book was not just about social media, but social media marketing. I have little marketing background so this book really helped me realize the solid and proven potential that these tools have for marketing purposes. This was great for me and my company. Even more he breaks down how to do these things, how NOT to do these things, whose been "successful" and who's failed. Great examples of those that have gone before us!
The embedded blog posts from the Ignite website are relevant and provide a nice change of pace in the first part of the book. Much of the advice is pragmatic. For example, just start using social media in one part of organization. Start small; perfect. And the practical advice towards the end on measuring you social media marketing plan left me excited about creating a plan for my company.
I saw Jim speak at an NCState Computer Science event back in March. I was impressed with the presentation and the useful analogy that it made to help folks understand social media. I became aware of how much I've used social media in the past year (yes to all 10 questions, for those that have seen his presentation), how much I enjoy social media and I need to use it more for my startup: MemberHub.com.
It's clear that Jim's background is marketing. That was key for me to realize because I quickly learned that the book was not just about social media, but social media marketing. I have little marketing background so this book really helped me realize the solid and proven potential that these tools have for marketing purposes. This was great for me and my company. Even more he breaks down how to do these things, how NOT to do these things, whose been "successful" and who's failed. Great examples of those that have gone before us!
The embedded blog posts from the Ignite website are relevant and provide a nice change of pace in the first part of the book. Much of the advice is pragmatic. For example, just start using social media in one part of organization. Start small; perfect. And the practical advice towards the end on measuring you social media marketing plan left me excited about creating a plan for my company.
I saw Jim speak at an NCState Computer Science event back in March. I was impressed with the presentation and the useful analogy that it made to help folks understand social media. I became aware of how much I've used social media in the past year (yes to all 10 questions, for those that have seen his presentation), how much I enjoy social media and I need to use it more for my startup: MemberHub.com.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Personally and professionally, I see the need to learn more to engage myself and my organization into social media. The problem, of course, is figuring out how and what to do in a meaningful way. The solution: This book. I could easily relate to the cocktail analogy, but I was most surprised at the depth of knowledge this book provides. It goes far beyond creating a Facebook profile, into how to listen online to your brand feedback, maximize your presence, and measure it. This is a must-read for anyone confused about how to join the online party.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Social media is the 24/7 virtual cocktail party where everyone is invited and anyone can say whatever they like about your brand, your company and even you!
While this party can be a bit daunting for those of us with extensive experience in traditional marketing, advertising and PR, Jim Tobin and Lisa Braziel make it easy and fun to "work the room."
Withing the first 30 pages, you will be at ease with the major concepts, buzzwords, myths, and "rules" for success. Jim and Lisa also make it clear that social media does not replace traditional methods but rather enhance them through deeper communication, transparency and ongoing contribution.
The Cocktail Party analogy is perfect for understanding how to successfully participate in social media. Two of the main points explored in detail are:
Listen before you talk. Nobody wants to hear generic, insincere pitches of the hyper-extroverted, flesh-pressing salespeople who are fully confident they can solve problems that they have never bothered to understand. Taking a moment to hear what people are already saying about your industry, you company and maybe even you personally is a good first step to having something to say that is worth hearing.
Participate instead of trying to control. Whether you like it or not (you will learn to like it when you loosen up and let go of having to have control), in the world of social media, "the party goes on with or without you." While billboards / print ads / radio and television commercials / etc. used to be the bullhorns of brand awareness, most people have learned to fast forward past "messaging" and balance the opinions of people who speak like people rather than just the pundits, gurus, "thought leaders" and influentials.
I highly recommend Social Media is a Cocktail Party to anyone who believes there is more to marketing than messaging, more to business than competiting, and more to life than working. Why not join the party?
While this party can be a bit daunting for those of us with extensive experience in traditional marketing, advertising and PR, Jim Tobin and Lisa Braziel make it easy and fun to "work the room."
Withing the first 30 pages, you will be at ease with the major concepts, buzzwords, myths, and "rules" for success. Jim and Lisa also make it clear that social media does not replace traditional methods but rather enhance them through deeper communication, transparency and ongoing contribution.
The Cocktail Party analogy is perfect for understanding how to successfully participate in social media. Two of the main points explored in detail are:
Listen before you talk. Nobody wants to hear generic, insincere pitches of the hyper-extroverted, flesh-pressing salespeople who are fully confident they can solve problems that they have never bothered to understand. Taking a moment to hear what people are already saying about your industry, you company and maybe even you personally is a good first step to having something to say that is worth hearing.
Participate instead of trying to control. Whether you like it or not (you will learn to like it when you loosen up and let go of having to have control), in the world of social media, "the party goes on with or without you." While billboards / print ads / radio and television commercials / etc. used to be the bullhorns of brand awareness, most people have learned to fast forward past "messaging" and balance the opinions of people who speak like people rather than just the pundits, gurus, "thought leaders" and influentials.
I highly recommend Social Media is a Cocktail Party to anyone who believes there is more to marketing than messaging, more to business than competiting, and more to life than working. Why not join the party?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple, Informative, & Relatable
Whether you want to learn more about social media and how to use it for your business, or still aren't sure whether social media is really necessary for your company, this book is... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Marissa McDermott
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Introduction to Social Media Marketing
While the book "Social Media Is a Cocktail Party" by Jim Tobin with Lisa Braziel is copyrighted 2008 -- and things change very quickly in the social media world -- this is an... Read more
Published on April 9, 2010 by Phyllis Zimbler Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read it Cover to Cover Non-stop!
For anyone who uses the internet for any reason this is a fascinating and useful read. It was like lifting the hood on a car to see how the engine works. Read more
Published on April 1, 2010 by Kirk Bennett
2.0 out of 5 stars
Rich contents. Poor content.
For those who are familiar with the term Social Media there is nothing to look for in this book.
Brian Halligan mentioned in "Inbound Marketing" that Social Media Marketing... Read more
Brian Halligan mentioned in "Inbound Marketing" that Social Media Marketing... Read more
Published on March 25, 2010 by Vasyl Denys
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read
Quite simply, this book is a MUST READ for any marketers out there. Especially anyone that has struggled with how to integrate Social Media into their program of work.
Published on September 15, 2009 by Melody Foote
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Social Media Marketing Book Available
Excerpt from Blog Review: Honestly... the flat out best book I had read in quite some time. Jim and Lisa have really spilled the beans on Social Media Marketing with this book. Read more
Published on January 9, 2009 by Matthew S. Diehl
5.0 out of 5 stars
What social media means, and how to plan for marketing
If you're a marketer or a CEO and you think social media is dumb, or a waste of time, or a bunch of amateurs, please know this: Sometimes you're right. Often you're wrong. Read more
Published on December 30, 2008 by Paul A. Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding book to begin an understanding of how to use Social Media.
Customer Video Review
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Published on December 19, 2008 by James A. Neville III
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great introduction into Social Media
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to gain valuable, targeted insight into their business. Read more
Published on December 1, 2008 by Daniel Devries
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic book!
Just started reading this morning and can't put the book down. It's easy to read, easy to understand and entertaining too. Read more
Published on November 27, 2008 by Ellyn R. Davidson
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