Eureka! I pronounce the end of social media for investor relations!

An vocabularific epiphany happened on last week’s MUNCmedia client conference call ( IR 101 ). While walking some folks through shareholder communications options, a client made a side statement that they were befuddled by all the talk and articles on social media and investor relations. “Can you easily explain social media for IR?” Two shots of tequila later, I began. However, my spidey-sense immediacy warned me that the call participants’ eyes were starting to glass over. So I said – “Try this. Whenever you read or hear “social media” insert the phrase “shareholder communications.” Try it. It works. What we determined on the call was that “social media” tended to be placed in a separate silo from “shareholder communications.”  To be solidly in the middle (mass adoption) of the bell curve, social media must be ubiquitous with shareholder communications. No more hand raising games. Alright, alright… this is clearly not a “cure-for-the-common-cold” or “we-can-make-more-profit-if-we-substitute-sugar-with-high-fructose-corn-syrup” type epiphany, but there was a calming sigh on the phone. Remember, I am bringing small-caps (and smaller) into the Investor Relations realm. Baby-steps for some. < Sorry about the cigar smoke, Eric

Below is paraphrased from the call. ( I was not talking to myself. I only do that while I drive.) Q: “Twitter is just shareholder communications tool?” A: Yup, it’s a direct and lateral distribution network to investors who use Twitter. Deploy it like any other shareholder communications tactical or strategic tool. Direct shareholder communications – it’s a like..um…really  big IM. Lateral, other Twitter user may talk about you, or at least pass on your news for you to their friends and followers. Q: “Do I have to use it?” A: Shareholder communications is essential for transparency. The precise tool is up to your continuants needs. Start a Twitter account and search $ and your ticker ($ABC). (You can go to StockTwits too, but they don’t cover OTCBB) Q: “What will that do?” A: It will show you Twitter conversations about your company. You can then decide what your next steps may be within this specific shareholder communications tool. Q: “Who is on Twitter?” A: People. Nothing more, nothing less.  The Golden Rule applies. Go build investor relationships. Have a great day. PS: Sales pitch spoiler alert: Using MUNCmedia Retail Investor Targeting is a smart shareholder communications tool to build relationship with individual investors. Just add your Twitter handle /account in ALL your MUNCmedia outreach campaigns.