Reshared post from +Marcy Massura

In honor of my son, who was asked today to be the official stick boy for the Anaheim Ducks this weekend…..

{marcy’social} winning at the social game.

I am learning a lot from being a ‘sports’ parent. I am learning cupcakes and Kool-Aid are frowned upon as a game snack by the insane health conscious Orange County parents, I am learning a 10 year old boy can smell up a car so bad post practice that windows have to be rolled down just to make it home, and….. I am learning about social media. Wait. What Marcy?

BE PREPARED
Before you hit the social space- be sure you are prepared. Like anyone trying sport for the first time, they would have an understanding of game rules and nuances. Brands need to research, learn and listen before jumping in and tackling the target consumer. Prepare yourself for the amount of work and time it will take succeed. Realize that winning one game is nice, but taking home the tournament championship is even better.

PICK A GOOD TEAM
Be picky. Don’t hand over the most visible part of your business to an intern or the lowest cost employee you can hire. Take time and invest in multi-talented high level community managers, content writers and analytic specialists. Build a dream team. And keep them happy so they don’t leave and become free-agents at the end of the season.

HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
This photo is Tucker with his giant hockey bag/locker. It’s hard to believe he needs a bag bigger than him to hold what he wears…but he does. He has options in that bag, that he uses for different situations. And in social, it is important to understand that your ‘equipment’ (video, copy, long content, traditional website etc.) is going to be right to win the game. It is hard to carry a bag that big, but ultimately having the right equipment (and resources) at your finger tips can lead you to success.

PRACTICE
Before a brand should even consider entering in the social space, they need to practice. Opening and using personal accounts extensively to get the feel for the social space they want to dominate. Try new techniques, practice new maneuvers and basically be the ball.

SWEAT IT OUT
Social takes work. Long hours and lots of good old fashioned work. Building community one consumer or customer at a time. Keep at it, hydrate and push thru the pain (points) until you get the trophy and reach your goals.

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