The document discusses how social media has changed communication between companies and consumers. It notes that previously companies controlled the message, but with the internet consumers can now share information freely (paragraphs 1-7). The document then introduces the social media platform Ning, which allows organizations to create online communities to connect with members (paragraphs 11-18). It provides examples of how clubs and organizations can use Ning to engage members, promote their cause, and stay connected (paragraphs 20-30). Finally, it outlines best practices for using social media and provides contact information for the consulting firm (paragraphs 40-49).

1. Using the web to
connect with
members
Ray Algar MBA
Managing Director
Oxygen Consulting
United Kingdom
March 2009 1

2. Before the web 2

3. Companies controlled the
communications channel 3

4. Companies used to just
shout and interrupt
consumers
News flowed
one way 4

5. Consumers found it
difficult to be heard 5

6. The web changed
the rules 6

7. Printing press
for everyone 7

8. 8

9. Business is now open 9

10. Consumers now
sharing wisdom 10

11. What is social media? 11

12. Tools that allow us
to be publishers 12

13. Many of you already
use social media 13

14. 14

15. Social media matters
15

16. Consumers listen and
trust what people
say online 16

17. Create a new way
to communicate
with members 17

18. www.ning.com
18

19. A web-based
communication
tool 19

20. Use Ning to…
20

21. Promote your
club’s cause
21

22. Take your brand
international 22

23. Start a conversation
with members 23

24. Stay in touch with
past members 24

25. Spread a
great reputation
25

26. Connect members who
love group exercise
26

27. Help staff
to communicate 27

28. Get your city ‘moving’ 28

29. Support members on
a journey 29

30. Support them
while they
recover from
injury 30

31. Ning takes 30 minutes
to set up 31

32. 32

33. 33

34. 34

35. 35

36. 36

37. 37

38. 38

39. 39

40. Golden rules
40

41. Define what the club
is seeking to achieve?
41

42. Ensure it is a
two-way conversation
42

43. Adopt an informal
and friendly tone 43

44. Treat as a marathon,
not a sprint 44

45. Do not use as a
sales channel 45

46. Do not censor
critical comments
46

47. Ning is FREE 47

48. Questions
48

49. Further information:
Ray Algar, Oxygen Consulting
Tel: +44 1273 885 998
E mail: ray@oxygen-consulting.co.uk
Web: oxygen-consulting.co.uk
Blog: oxygen-blog.blogspot.com
49