Just finished “The Secrets of Generation Flux,” by Robert Safian, the cover story in the February Fast Company Magazine tinyurl.com/77lkeb4. You will find it is perfect to jump-start your efforts to incorporate social media into your communication mix for 2012. (That was one of your resolutions, right?)

A brief summary… Generation Flux is about operating in a world where things are chaotic and will stay that way. Those of us working in this world need to accept it embrace it and think and act in ways that keep us adaptable and flexible. Even when things are working perfectly, we can’t get comfortable.

Three comments in the article summarize why it’s critical to embrace the channels of social media in “generation flux.”

First, “Modern Business is Pure Chaos But those who Adapt will Succeed.”  Embracing the concepts of transparency, engagement and velocity so critical to social media success are also critical to living in “flux” times.  Another thought, “The pragmatic approach to change is not to hide, but to approach it head on,” speaks directly to building your social media presence. Finally, a comment that makes the case for both social media and flux – “members of generation flux can be any age and in any industry.” This does indeed apply to you.

So in keeping with the fast pace of Generation Flux, here are some examples of ways VHPR and its clients have utilized social media to engage audiences, tell their stories creatively  and build brand. Like most beginning social media efforts they serve as an extension of messages developed for other channels, and will lead to even more in generation flux.

Example 1 – VHPR YouTube Presentation (boydvhpr@yahoo.com
The video channel, primarily through YouTube, is a great way to reach audiences you can’t engage in other ways and to bring an interesting new element to your story. We intend to use this channel more and more and also use it as an in-person presentation on our iPad.

Example 2 – Baker Boyer Bank YouTube Video (tinyurl.com/6lwnk7)
How you convey the importance of being named the state’s best mid-sized workplace? Baker Boyer Bank asked customers to comment in a short video. It was posted on their website, on YouTube, and e-mailed to prospects and shown on iPads during new business meetings.  Combined with traditional methods of getting the story out, it produced measurable results in attracting new business.

Example 3 – First Independent Bank Facebook and Twitter.
While generating content for the news media for First Independent in 2010, we made sure we also produced versions we could use on the website and on Facebook and Twitter.  I call it “telling your story yourself.”  The effort increased participation in the regional library summer reading program and honored their employees for volunteering. Another program to give non-profit organizations some of their surplus furniture resulted in a fun Facebook post titled “Moving Day with photos” that generated many positive comments.

Key lessons we learned and incorporated into the 2012 planning for our clients:

  • Generate content with a clear understanding of what your audiences want to talk about.
  • Move quickly to take advantage of opportunities.
  • Be ready to change on a moment’s notice, kind of like the skills needed to thrive in Generation Flux.

We’ll share your ideas, thoughts and comments. E-mail them to boyd@vhpr.com