Social media is a subject people in the industrial world often shy away from, but this new form of communication made major headway in 2014. Companies like General Electric along with organizations like America Makes, SME, and NASA constantly utilize social media. In today’s business world social media is a necessary tool for building trust among customers, sharing news, promoting events, generating leads, and creating brand awareness.
While some may argue that social media isn’t relevant to industrial manufacturing, Manufacturing Global sites it as one of the top ten manufacturing trends of 2014. And according to Industry Week its not going anywhere, as they predict social media will continue to shape manufacturing in 2015.
SME (The Society of Manufacturing Engineers) @SME_MFG has a variety of social media accounts they use in many different ways, whether to share news or promote an event. They facilitate a number of trade shows throughout the year, and every show has its own Twitter account and official hashtag. For example, you don’t have to actually attend the Fabtech Expo to stay up to date with everything that’s going on there. By following @FabtechExpo or searching the hashtag #FabtechExpo you can get live updates – before, during, or after the event. SME hashtags during events get used and seen by thousands of people, and their continued success with social media stands as a model for the industrial manufacturing world.
LinkedIn was one of the fastest growing social networks in 2014, and isn’t showing any sign of slowing down. There’s no better platform for making connections, building your network, and interacting with professionals. For example the Fastener News Group on LinkedIn has over 1,600 members who are all relevant professionals in the industrial world, and industry topics and issues are often discussed and promoted.
If you want to know more about creating your own social media accounts for you and/or your business, visit our Social Media page for detailed instruction.
Hashtags: #SocialMedia #industrial #manufacturing #GE #AmericaMakes #SME #NASA #LinkedIn
Events, Fasteners, MFG Day, Technology
Instantaneous information, especially when there is an emergency or even a new, positive development is invaluable. No question about it. Some people are overwhelmed by social media, like Twitter, but it can easily be managed. I save a lot of time by quickly scanning news headlines instead of having to page through numerous articles. Pick what you like – get the information when you want it, not when someone decides to send it to you.
Great Example of Giving Away Knowledge to Foster Trust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmo4iFvPDBA #LincolnElectric #SocialMedia
Exhibitor Tips: Using Social to Increase Traffic to Your Booth
http://blog.ubmcanon.com/exhibitor-tips-using-social-to-increase-traffic-to-your-booth?utm_content=11537023&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter