I know this is a bit off topic but it DOES have to do with this little part of the HobbyTalk world... the RC Oval Racing Product Support forum. It seem the rest of the world is just catching on to the power of social networks for their companies. For those that may not know what a "social network" is, the press seems to focus on things like Facebook, Twitter and blogs, but when you dig into more, you find that good 'ol forums are one of the most powerful social networks on the Internet.

Many RC companies have found HobbyTalk to be a great place to get exposure for their company. Some even support HobbyTalk by becoming HobbyTalk Supporters and/or advertisers. As I read the threads it appears that some may not be getting everything they should out of their threads here on HobbyTalk.

I currently have some family that is involved with PR and social media. Since they know I run HobbyTalk, they pass on information that might be useful. Hopefully I can pass that information on the RC companies that are active (and not so active) on HobbyTalk and they can use this information to use HobbyTalk to their best advantage.... just my little way to give something back to them.

So if you are serious about getting the most out what is available (at little to no cost) to your company, read the articles that I will link to in the following posts. Who knows, it may even allow you to grow your business even in this down economy!

Note: Much of this is for PR professionals, but every company can learn from these lessions and ideas.

Excerpts from: The State of PR, Marketing, and Communications: You are the Future (http://www.briansolis.com/2009/06/state-of-pr-marketing-and.html)
(targeted to the PR professional, it still has some great points)

The Social Web, the democratization of content and the wisdom of the crowds is merely amplifying PR’s weaknesses and expediting the declination of a broken business model.

Our future lies in our ability to shift PR from a business of publicity to a regiment of true “Public” Relations.

It’s one thing to build a community around you and your online persona, it’s altogether something different and much more complex and sophisticated, to create and inspire an active and passionate community around a product, service, and ultimately a brand.

Listen, engage, prioritize, and grow in the communities that affect your development, reputation, relationships and authority as a person and as a professional. It's the only way...

Read the full article at - http://www.briansolis.com/2009/06/state-of-pr-marketing-and.html

Six mistakes to avoid when using social media

1. Trying to dictate the conversation
2. Putting on a false front
3. Failing to prepare for the flood of customer communications
4. Mistaking social networking for traditional advertising or corporate comms
5. Thinking that they'll come if you build it

More at http://ow.ly/dkbe

Introduction to Social Media (http://www.slideshare.net/themoleskin/introduction-to-social-meida?type=presentation)

Slide show to help explain the social media revolution and how it affects your company.