Social Media Is A Cocktail Party: Why You Already Know The Rules Of Social Media Marketing [Paperback]

Jim Tobin (Author), Lisa Braziel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 2008

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.

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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Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (November 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440454205
• ISBN-13: 978-1440454202
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Easy Read and a MUST Read For Any Business Owner, May 7, 2009

By 

Matthew Harrell (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Social Media Is A Cocktail Party: Why You Already Know The Rules Of Social Media Marketing (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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to enter into a deep read, March 20, 2009

By 

Melissa Soule "PR Professional" (Lansing, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Social Media Is A Cocktail Party: Why You Already Know The Rules Of Social Media Marketing (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Parties are Full of Surprises, December 7, 2008

By 

Sean P. Kearney (Castle Rock, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Social Media Is A Cocktail Party: Why You Already Know The Rules Of Social Media Marketing (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?