Social Influence: Meaningful?


TOPIC QUESTIONS
Q1) How do you find influencers?
Q2) Can you create influencers?
Q3) Is Social Influence a meaningful goal for companies?
   Event Details
Event Date:
     2010-12-07
Event Time:
     12PM - 1 PM EST
Participants:
     67
Tweets:
     818


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Shelly Kramer
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BIO: Shelly Kramer is the Founder and Chief Imagination Officer of V3 Integrated Marketing and Kramer & Co, both headquartered in Kansas City, MO, and doing business with clients all over the world. A 20+ year marketing veteran, she's a strategist, brand builder, deep thinker, information junkie, communicator extraordinaire, buzz builder and lover of all things related to digital marketing and social media. She laughingly refers to herself the "Chief ...more
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  • RT : RT : Reminder: Join us #sm89 + lively convo re Influence, Today at 12Noon EST | http://bit.ly/fbWwlc #socialmedia #tweetchat
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 11:33:01 AM
  • couple minutes away from discussing the value of Social Influence. join in, follow #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 11:59:01 AM
  • Time to fire up todays #socialmedia tweetchat with - with the volatile topic of social influence #sm89 come chat!
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 11:59:01 AM
  • #sm89 Influence: Let's hear it. How do you find influencers?
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:02:01 PM
  • #sm89 AAck. Internet connection went wonky. Welcome to #sm89 Topic today is influence
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:02:01 PM
  • Q1: here we go...RT #sm89 Influence: Lets hear it. How do you find influencers?
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:03:03 PM
  • Hi Jason. Where do you find influencers? Any tools you like/use #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:04:04 PM
  • Connecting or re-connecting w/those I admire. RT : #sm89 Influence: Let's hear it. How do you find influencers?
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:04:04 PM
  • or better yet, whats the definition of one? #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:04:04 PM
  • #SM89 A1: I'll start with the obvious: has been doing a lot to help automate the process of finding influencers.
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:05:03 PM
  • Great Q Marc - how do you define "influencer" #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:05:03 PM
  • Totally waiting for you peeps to show up at #sm89 and talk #Influence and #socialmedia Get on it!
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:05:03 PM
  • join the convo on influence w at #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:05:03 PM
  • #sm89 Just discovered PostRankConnect for finding influencers - anyone using that?
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:06:04 PM
  • I think I define the affect of someone on me and what I do & how i do it as an influencer-so its not where really #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:06:04 PM
  • influencers will be different for each side of biz. customer influencers difft than industry, than special interest, etc #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:06:04 PM
  • I know, but there's a TON of discussion around and the accuracy of their tool. Thoughts? #SM89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:06:04 PM
  • I'm here honey :) Best way to find influencers is... Google. Search industry terms. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:06:04 PM
  • RandomThought #sm89 Vast differences between an "influencer" and an "evangelist" - and many people don't understand that
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:07:03 PM
  • Q1: I use a combo of technorati, google, twitter, and tools like Radian.... create a short list then cull 4 best #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:07:03 PM
  • re Klout - we're looking for tools but their algorithms are suspect at best. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:07:04 PM
  • #SM89 A1.5: Defining an 'influencer' is a bit harder. Depends on what your goals are.
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:07:04 PM
  • Agreed RT Ive used Post Rank but find it doesnt have everyone in it..think it is limited to just PR users #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:02 PM
  • Influencers create content/have a cause that others take on as their own. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • Hi lovie. Great to see you. I'm also experimenting with Traackr.com -- heard of them? #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • No tool is going to be 100%, but I like the inputs that they use, and it does give a good indication of influence. #SM89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • RT : RandomThought #sm89 Vast differences between an "influencer" and an "evangelist" - and many people don't understand that
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • I've used Post Rank but find it doesn't have everyone in it..think it is limited to just PR users #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • RandomThought #sm89 Vast differences between an "influencer" and an "evangelist" - and many people don't understand that
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • Q1: I use a combo of technorati, google, twitter, and tools like Radian.... create a short list then cull 4 best #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:08:03 PM
  • Doing, yes. Succeeding? RT #SM89 has been doing a lot to help automate the process of finding influencers.
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:03 PM
  • RT : re Klout - we're looking for tools but their algorithms are suspect at best. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:03 PM
  • for customer influencers, i like to assess product reviewers on different sites #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:03 PM
  • also find category can determine what tools u use to find influencers... niche category much harder to locate influencers with tools #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:03 PM
  • Agreed. What if your goal is action? #SM89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • RT : Totally agree. But can an influencer compel you to action, or just get you to think? There's a big diff there, no? #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • And the audience even creates their own CTAs based on having been influenced. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • Totally agree. But can an influencer compel you to action, or just get you to think? There's a big diff there, no? #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • After the audience has taken on the influencers cause as their own, they respond to the influencers CTAs. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • Oh definitely. Different depending on what your focus and/or role w/i company is - for sure #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • Agreed RT Ive used Post Rank but find it doesnt have everyone in it..think it is limited to just PR users #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:09:04 PM
  • Maybe not 'succeeding' quite yet, but they are improving. Any tool will take time to perfect. #SM89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • I use those, too, Tom. And (client) because I like the depth of their analysis #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • Q1 Where do you find influencers #sm89 Join in if you've not yet done so.
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • At the risk of oversimplfying, use many tools but relevancy rules. Find ppl driving/creating highest # of on topic posts #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • #SM89: Perceived credibility is important when looking for influencers. Metrics? Followers alone meaningless.
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • Doing, yes. Succeeding? RT #SM89 has been doing a lot to help automate the process of finding influencers.
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • RT : re Klout - we're looking for tools but their algorithms are suspect at best. #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • for customer influencers, i like to assess product reviewers on different sites #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
  • also find category can determine what tools u use to find influencers... niche category much harder to locate influencers with tools #sm89
    Posted by: - 12/07/2010 12:10:04 PM
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Moderator
#sm89 Influence: Let's hear it. How do you find influencers?
#sm89 AAck. Internet connection went wonky. Welcome to #sm89 Topic today is influence
Hi Jason. Where do you find influencers? Any tools you like/use #sm89
Great Q Marc - how do you define "influencer" #sm89
Totally waiting for you peeps to show up at #sm89 and talk #Influence and #socialmedia Get on it!
#sm89 Just discovered PostRankConnect for finding influencers - anyone using that?
I know, but there's a TON of discussion around and the accuracy of their tool. Thoughts? #SM89
RandomThought #sm89 Vast differences between an "influencer" and an "evangelist" - and many people don't understand that
Hi lovie. Great to see you. I'm also experimenting with Traackr.com -- heard of them? #sm89
RandomThought #sm89 Vast differences between an "influencer" and an "evangelist" - and many people don't understand that
RT : re Klout - we're looking for tools but their algorithms are suspect at best. #sm89
Agreed. What if your goal is action? #SM89
Totally agree. But can an influencer compel you to action, or just get you to think? There's a big diff there, no? #sm89
Oh definitely. Different depending on what your focus and/or role w/i company is - for sure #sm89
I use those, too, Tom. And (client) because I like the depth of their analysis #sm89
Q1 Where do you find influencers #sm89 Join in if you've not yet done so.
RT : re Klout - we're looking for tools but their algorithms are suspect at best. #sm89
Interesting take. And so people listen to them. Do they act as a result? #sm89
Agreed. You just have to know that it's not 100% accurate going in #SM89
Are you talking about new tool...which I think is what PRC is - just recently discovered #sm89
I agree with that. Kind of like FB cartoon situation? #sm89
Check this out re PostRank - I think it's different than what u've experienced: http://bit.ly/eiNvfD #sm89
Spot on re follower numbers. Lots of data about being gamed by just that kind of thing #SM89
Yes, product reviews very important #sm89
Bravo Dan. Agree #SM89
Absolutely re category. That's where the importance of paid monitoring tools/analysis comes in - and very critical #sm89
I agree with that. Kind of like FB cartoon situation? #sm89
That looks tasty - can't wait to check it out #SM89
Spot on re follower numbers. Lots of data about being gamed by just that kind of thing #SM89
Yes, product reviews very important #sm89
Bravo Dan. Agree #SM89
Absolutely re category. That's where the importance of paid monitoring tools/analysis comes in - and very critical #sm89
LOL - your avvie made me dizzy #sm89
Brilliant! Yes. What do you want your influencers to do once you find them. Great point - and overlooked #sm89
Passion goes hand in hand with influence, no? I think so #sm89
That looks tasty - can't wait to check it out #SM89
And you think it's just for PR peeps? I didn't get that impression at all cc #sm89
Yes. That old "human element" still matters re influence #sm89
LOL - your avvie made me dizzy #sm89
Brilliant! Yes. What do you want your influencers to do once you find them. Great point - and overlooked #sm89
Me too - did you see the link: http://bit.ly/eiNvfD #SM89 #SM89
Yes. Absolutely correct. Should I start sucking up because you're a big deal
Yes. Absolutely. Or brilliant researchers like my friend #sm89
Yes I do, Tom. I think evangelists are infinitely more valuable. talks about that v. eloquently in his blog #sm89
Common sense? Seriously? I thought that was dead and gone #sm89
I think there's a diff btw influencer and evangelist. #sm89
Yes I do, Tom. I think evangelists are infinitely more valuable. talks about that v. eloquently in his blog #sm89
And bots with high scores #sm89
I agree, Ken. They are very different terms. #sm89
Yes - and that happens all the time. "My Klout score is bigger than your penis. Oops, I mean Klout score" #sm89
I'm a fangirl Mack, you know that #sm89
I meant suck up to you, dork. #sm89
I agree, Ken. They are very different terms. #sm89
I agree with you - there's a difference. An influencer can influence. But influence can be defined in a myriad of ways #sm89
will u tweet Q2 for me ... can't get there fast enough. ty #sm89
I agree re influencers/evangelists #sm89
:)) You know me - rabble rouser #sm89
I agree with you - there's a difference. An influencer can influence. But influence can be defined in a myriad of ways #sm89
and ty :)) #sm89
RT : Q2: Can you create influencers? #sm89
Sometimes a response is no more than a RT, without the content even being looked at. THAT is different than action #SM89
I agree re influencers/evangelists #sm89
#sm89 As someone who has tested getting people to ACT - and as someone who is kinda sorta a little influential, I can tell u there's a diff
and ty :)) #sm89
RT : Q2: Can you create influencers? #sm89
I can think of "very influential" TwitterPersonalities who are not experts on anything in particular. But they RT a lot #sm89
Hi Gorgeous. I think influence in so med space is often an pop contest. #sm89
And to quote someone I know, a handful of evangelists are worth a freaking boatload of influencers or something like that #sm89
There's that smile. Welcome. #sm89
I can think of "very influential" TwitterPersonalities who are not experts on anything in particular. But they RT a lot #sm89
RT : Q2 think u can give folks tools to help them be influential but at end of day, crowd determines who influencer is #sm89
Influencers create themselves. Interesting. I did that. #sm89
And to quote someone I know, a handful of evangelists are worth a freaking boatload of influencers or something like that #sm89
RT : RT : Q2: Can you create influencers? No. You can create an environment for them to thrive, however. #sm89
castles made of sand. that don't stand up to true tests #sm89
RT : U can't create influencers, they have to create themselves. u can bcm influencer but it's hard work #sm89
RT : Q2 think u can give folks tools to help them be influential but at end of day, crowd determines who influencer is #sm89
Influencers create themselves. Interesting. I did that. #sm89
RT : agreed. deep analysis is crucial #sm89 It cannot currently be automated
RT : Interesting point re: info hubs as an influencer type v. SMEs #sm89
RT : Agree re:RT not equal action. Campaign URLs can be a way to track conversions. Use one per key influencer? #sm89
RT : Klout is a start, but you need to do qualitative analysis too. You need to know the space #sm89
Just like Yelp - really #sm89
RT : RT : Q2: Can you create influencers? No. You can create an environment for them to thrive, however. #sm89
castles made of sand. that don't stand up to true tests #sm89
RT : U can't create influencers, they have to create themselves. u can bcm influencer but it's hard work #sm89
RT : not necessarily... takes more than just sitting at the right lunch table to be an influencer #sm89
Oh it all sounds so simple :)) #sm89
Disagree. Jehovah's Witnesses influence a lot - within their culture #sm89
RT : agreed. deep analysis is crucial #sm89 It cannot currently be automated
Agree wholeheartedly. They are a critical component. But evangelists help take it a step further #sm89
RT : Hey peeps you should check out the discussion going on #sm89 its pretty interesting stuff talking about #influence
But you know what, a lot of people think that sitting at the same lunch table is enough. #sm89
RT : not necessarily... takes more than just sitting at the right lunch table to be an influencer #sm89
RT : I don't know...looking at some of the "influencers" that exist today, does the person really matter? #sm89
RT : Yes. This is one of those areas where the tools need to evolve. #sm89
Agree wholeheartedly. They are a critical component. But evangelists help take it a step further #sm89
RT : Hey peeps you should check out the discussion going on #sm89 its pretty interesting stuff talking about #influence
I agree. Love and nurture and listen and all that. That's v. important #sm89
RT : or we need to...RT : Yes. This is one of those areas where the tools need to evolve. #sm89
RT : Yes but no one can be influential over everyone. #sm89
RT : those aren't real influencers. Think about... if Twitter went away, would they still be influential? #sm89
don't eavesdrop, sistah - come on in !! #sm89
I am opposed to the word "fans" ... and think it's ridiculous for people to think they "own" "fans" #sm89
I agree. Love and nurture and listen and all that. That's v. important #sm89
RT : Yes. I don't think appealing to influencers only is a sustainable promotions strategy #sm89
Using your head. Goodness, what a novel concept. Back to the human element cc Love that! #sm89
No there aren't more - it's just easier to find them now, maybe? I dunno .... #sm89
RT : Yes but no one can be influential over everyone. #sm89
RT : those aren't real influencers. Think about... if Twitter went away, would they still be influential? #sm89
don't eavesdrop, sistah - come on in !! #sm89
RT : agree with #sm89 influencers CAN turn into brand evangelist- IF treated properly by brand :) Yes!
RT : That's why we invented "analysts". It's a skill/expertise not everyone can do. #sm89
RT : Yes. I don't think appealing to influencers only is a sustainable promotions strategy #sm89
Using your head. Goodness, what a novel concept. Back to the human element cc Love that! #sm89
No there aren't more - it's just easier to find them now, maybe? I dunno .... #sm89
RT : and that...is the disconnect on what true influence is online #sm89
People, numbers, gut, heart - makes good sense : yes, it is a gut and a heart thing, too. #sm89
RT : agree with #sm89 influencers CAN turn into brand evangelist- IF treated properly by brand :) Yes!
RT : That's why we invented "analysts". It's a skill/expertise not everyone can do. #sm89
RT : then how can people using alter egos become influencers online? Did they not "create an influencer"? #sm89
RT : and that...is the disconnect on what true influence is online #sm89
I want to hear about Levis ... I will stalk you #sm89
RT : What matters is passion. People can believe in something - no matter mundane & that's what allows influence. #sm89
lol :)) #sm89
If only more people got that that was what it's all about. That and only that. Solving problems. #sm89
Image that. Marketers and/or brands solving problems. What a novel concept. :)) #sm89
I want to hear about Levis ... I will stalk you #sm89
RT : Not sure that passion is enough. We can be passionate without being influential. #sm89
RT : bottom line is 'yes'. you can create an influencer. #sm89 (without question! many of us here did just that)
RT : Over-reliance on influencers may indicate an unsound belief that people are lemmings. #sm89
If only more people got that that was what it's all about. That and only that. Solving problems. #sm89
Image that. Marketers and/or brands solving problems. What a novel concept. :)) #sm89
Social influence - does it equal FB fans, followers on Twitter, more ears for the message to be delivered to? Or something more? #sm89
Last Question Smarties ---> Q3: Is Social Influence a meaningful goal for companies? #sm89
But he got them to drive (and love) the cars which made them brand evangelists, too #sm89
Very good point. #sm89
RT : live experience creates influence too. got people to drive 100 cars.influence on thousands of pre-orders #sm89
Yes. Yes Hitler did. #sm89
I agree - content is very valuable. #sm89
Social influence - does it equal FB fans, followers on Twitter, more ears for the message to be delivered to? Or something more? #sm89
But he got them to drive (and love) the cars which made them brand evangelists, too #sm89
RT : RT : Q3: Is Social Influence a meaningful goal for companies? #sm89
I don't know why you wouldn't listen to me, Kevin. I'll kick you if you don't #SM89
Yes. But that's just the reality of technology. Requires more sifting and filtering. #sm89
RT : RT : Q3: Is Social Influence a meaningful goal for companies? #sm89
I don't know why you wouldn't listen to me, Kevin. I'll kick you if you don't #SM89
"Only if you want to stay in business" excellent point, Twylah #sm89
I don't think it can be automated, Deb. Not fully #sm89
RT : Q3: Only if that translates to more $$$ #sm89
RT : Q3: Companies should strive for brand influence #sm89
Yes. But that's just the reality of technology. Requires more sifting and filtering. #sm89
"Only if you want to stay in business" excellent point, Twylah #sm89
I don't think it can be automated, Deb. Not fully #sm89
RT : Q3: Only if that translates to more $$$ #sm89
"Only if you want to stay in business" excellent point, Twylah #sm89
I don't think it can be automated, Deb. Not fully #sm89