The world has changed a great deal in the last 20 years in terms of how we stay connected and communicate.It used to be by phone, fax machine, or snail mail!
Now we have to figure out the best method to reach someone. If I pick the wrong method, like sending emails to the Generation I or Y, I probably won’t get a response. This generation prefers text messages or Twitter.
It would be nice to have monthly meetings or socials where you all show up to find out what’s going on in the Bar Association and legal community. But we all know that that’s just not going to happen!
Instead, I sit here trying to figure out how to reach every CBA member with different needs, wants, and methods of communication!We have a group that likes meetings during lunch, when they network and actually make plans.But we also have a group that does not want our mailings and probably deletes my emails, but would probably follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Now are the days of social media – this is where we promote our company; communicate with family, friends and peers; send invitations to business functions or personal parties; or share things in your personal life.However, men and women who use social media and mobile devices use technology in different ways.From an article on ragan.com, “men use social media for business or dating, while women use it for sharing, entertainment, and relationships.Men prefer quick access to information, whereas women would rather have an encounter with a Brand.” Also, “71% of women use social media as compared to 62% of men.Facebook, followed by LinkedIn are the most popular social sites for adults.Instagram appeals to 18-29 year old urban residents.Pinterest appeals to women with middle to high level incomes. An interesting fact – while every demographic dropped its social media usage in December 2012, the only age demographic that increased usage in December was 30-49 years olds, who increased from 73% to 77%.”
Where do you fall? Are you a Twitter “tweeter” or a Facebook “fanatic?”Facebook is used in so many different ways. So, what kind of a FB user are you? Ragan.com tells us there are nine types of Facebook users. Let’s take a look:
1. The OVER SHARER – Posts status updates from everywhere and everything they do! – and we mean everywhere and almost everything!
2. The BRAND PROMOTER – Only shares the company’s news.
3. The FEARFUL USER – This profile is on lockdown. So why have FB?
4. The STALKER – stalks friends, friends of friends, everyone.
5. The BABY BOOMER – Heard about Facebook at the neighborhood cookout.
6. The NEWBIE – Photo is a selfie from his or her cell phone.
7. The CURATOR – Puts the “viral” in video.
8. The GAMER – interacts only through the medium of Facebook games.
9. The NON USER – Registering was hard enough – now you want them to log on??
I’m sure you all have come across all of these types of users at some point. Maybe one of them reminds you of yourself!
Each of you have your preferred method of communication with different priorities based on your age, practice, and lifestyle.It’s difficult to get everyone together for an event or a CLE.But we work hard to stay connected – some work better than others.The future of the Association depends on the ability to understand and communicate with you. It’s a challenge to stay connected...
It requires constant attention.
Different methods of communication.
A lot of effort.
But we do it.
BTW – the Chattanooga Bar Association has a Twitter account.
Follow us @ ChattBarAssoc.
Stay connected.