Talk to me about Social Media

[F1rstT1meMummy]

Hi
OK - so I am a bit of a social media virgin. I have a face book account but that is it - I don't use any 'apps' on it, just really read status updates. I have requested P-Interest but still haven't heard anything and this was months ago. I have signed up to twitter when I got a blackberry, but forgot the password and haven't used it since - I also just did not understand it, in the slightest .

I am posting because I have just returned to work after maternity leave, and I think I really need to get a handle on Social Media -it feels like overnight it has exploded and I am left in the dark ages squandering - but I have no idea where to start - what IS social media, what is included in social media and for example, on twitter what 'hash-tagging is'.

Can anyone give me a recommendation for a great Janet and John website I can read - or a book?! or could some of you lovely Mnetters help me through the social media jungle and explain some terminology to me and how it works please?

Or even suggest some people I can follow on twitter so I can see how the thing works?

Thanks in advance.

Er, I'm no Social Media expert, but if you PM me your email address, I can send you an invite to Pinterest.

And on Twitter, the (MN) 'defaults' are surely Mumsnet, Stephen Fry, BBC Breaking News, India Knight, Grace Dent, Dara O'Briain ....

Then click to see you they're following, then add them, etc etc...

Also:
PC Mag's social media 101 article HERE
Mashable's same, HERE

Hazel - thank you very much, I will PM you and look at the two guides you have sent me!

Social Media - what is it? Basically it is a number of websites and applications that enable you to communicate with other people or business. This includes Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, FourSquare.. even MN and many many more.

The first think to think about is what you want from SM and then choose the website that suits you.

If you want to communicate with your friends and colleagues, then FB.

If you want to network with others in your field of business, and chat to random strangers then look at Twitter.

Pinterest is an online pinboard where you save (pin) pictures that you like. You can follow other people and 'repin' their photos or just browse through whichever category takes your fancy.

LinkedIn is a professional tool, used to make business contacts. Is often used by headhunters when they are recruiting. You can put your CV and work experience on your page so that others know who they are dealing with.

I have blogged about SM - if you are interested have a look on my profile for the link - and am doing a course from Mumsnet Academy in Scotland this autumn. I think that a lot of "SM experts" use big words and fancy phrases for something that is actually not that complicated.

As for using Twitter - don't follow lots of slebs cause they are boring and rarely reply. Think about your interests - both professional and personal - and who writes or reports on them. Do you read any magazines or newspapers? Do you like any authors or journalists? What shops do you like?

Once you start following people, have a look at who these people follow and follow them. Then jump in and start tweeting.