By Lance Concannon, UK social media lead at Text 100

Speak to any senior corporate comms exec about the barriers that prevent them from using social media more in their organisation, and I guarantee that the issue of ‘risk’ will usually come close to the top of the list. This raises a couple of questions; what exactly are the risks posed by social media, and how can we negate, or at least mitigate, them?

What if people say bad things about our brand?

People often think that creating social media channels for the brand will add fuel to the fire of criticism, but that really doesn’t make any sense. Almost all brands have detractors, and social media makes it easier than ever for those detractors to share their opinions online and there’s not a lot you can do to stop that. (more…)

The SMWF team are excited to announce that the fourth annual SMWF Europe event will be taking place on 27^th and 28^th March at Olympia in London. This year’s show is your chance to experience a packed agenda of interactive workshops, combined with unique networking opportunities, a bustling exhibition space and much more…

New for 2012 we have introduced an updated show format, delivering 6 individual conference tracks, each examining the latest strategies and cutting edge technologies across specifically focussed areas of social media marketing. (more…)

We are pleased to have partnered with both the K West & The Hilton London Olympia to offer all SMWF visitors a discounted room rate for the 26th, 27th & 28th March 2012.

Only a limited number of rooms are available at each hotel, and the rate is only available until 24th February so book today to make sure you have somewhere to stay! (more…)

By Christer Holloman author of ‘The Social Media MBA’ 

For how much longer will we call ‘smartphones’ just that and not simply ‘phones’? ‘Smart phones’ will be the de facto standard in a not too distance future (it’s already the case in certain clusters), the long name will eventually be made redundant. The same will now happen to the words ‘Social Media’. (more…)

Companies in the social media space are constantly looking for advice and new ways that they can make sure their efforts in the space are working. While there are no definitive answers, as every company’s goals will require different methods of showing success, there are a few tips that can be followed for guidelines along the way

The following is 10 tips that I’ve learned from the fantastic community that participates in #SMmeasure. #SMmeasure started off as a weekly Twitter chat that I’m fortunate to host. It has since turned into a community that shares interesting articles and ideas throughout the week, but still gather to chat for an hour every Thursday at noon(EST)/9am(PST). This list is the second part in this series. If you missed part one, be sure to check out our first 10 tips learned through #SMmeausre here. (more…)

Social Media World Forum N. America is almost upon us. The event is designed specifically to help delegates build valuable connections in New York and the rest of the digital world. We have compiled a few of suggestions suggestions for how you can get the most out of getting connected at the show.

Social shindig – come join the party at the Social Shindig, this year hosted by I AM DIGITAL at Studio Twenty Onein Chelsea kicking off from 7.30pm, an excellent opportunity to catch up over a few beverages in a chilled atmosphere. (more…)

SMWF Asia comes to Singapore on 1-2 September, offering social media marketing advice and in-depth insight into how brands and businesses across Asia are using channels like Facebook and Twitter to connect with their customers, build communities, monitor brand reputation, advertise and even sell their products directly.

Some of the world’s leading social media thinkers will gather to provide discussion and analysis around the unique and diverse regional factors that affect take-up, market development and strategic effectiveness of these techniques. (more…)

LEWIS PR COO Paul Charles will be chairing the SMWF “Social Media for crisis management” panel at 16:50, on day one of the event on 29 March.

The session will cover some of the recent catastrophes to have hit the news, and will involve some of the people who were, for better or worse, caught in the middle and forced to make their social media strategy work to deal with the situation.

Aurelie Valtat, for instance, covered last week in this blog, ran the EuroControl air traffic hub social media information feed single handed, keeping virtually all of Europe, passengers, airlines and worried relatives, up to date with the latest developments surrounding the Icelandic volcano crisis and what it meant for air traffic.

This is sure to be a fascinating panel discussion, and you’re almost certain to be in need of a stiff drink after hearing so many tales of social media heroism. Fortunately, Paul and the LEWIS PR team will be heading to the SMWF bar at the end of the session to continue the discussion with a few drinks on them.

For more  information about LEWIS PR click HERE, and to register for the event click here

SMWF are very excited about hosting the 3rd annual event for the Social Media World Forum and with a new year comes a new look, increased interactively and networking opportunities plus an action packed workshop agenda.

New for SMWF Europe 2011 ………. (more…)

Below Huzu asked brands and agencies from the Social Media World Forum March just gone ‘Why Are some brands still reluctant to put spend into Social Media Marketing?’

The Brands’ Perspective

Huzu is a social media technology company. Licensing its white-label social media platform to brands and agencies. Allowing them to provide their customers with an engaging community and reducing the cost of building the technology in – house. The platform is flexible and can be customised for each brand, with functionality that includes profiles, forums, video, blogs, picture galleries, friends network, calendars, instant chat, plus Facebook share and connect, amongst others. Designed with easy-to-use administration and content management tools, Huzu also benefits from fully controllable ad space. TUI, Eircom, Racing UK and Durex have built successful communities using the Huzu social media platform.