Strive Notes

‘Web 2.0 - social media interaction ‘ the subject of the seminar I attended this lunch time, and not surprisingly, I was still focusing on some of the points and comments discussed when I sat down to write this post.

There was a real 50/50 split in the room of ‘those who do’ and those ‘who don’t’ use Facebook. Interestingly those non Facebook fans seemed to hold a belief that social media in business could bring them negativity and loss of control.  In reality, online conversations, both negative and positive, are taking place anyway. As Sherrilynne pointed out, ignoring them means you aren’t allowing yourself to be a part of them.

But while some may fear social media, many others enjoy the fun it brings to our lives and businesses. Still we should not get sidetracked. There is definitely room for more serious issues on Facebook.

It’s being adopted by a New York charity which has set up a Facebook group to improve the co-ordination of blood donations by contacting members with clinic updates and appeals in the event of blood shortages.

Sadly the UK National Blood Service doesn’t plan to incorporate the powers of social media into its PR communications, yet.

Facebook boasts some 38.5 million users worldwide, NBS is, in my mind, missing an excellent opportunity when you consider only 5% of people in the UK who are able to give blood, actually do so.

With Facebook  NBS could reach of a huge pool of potential donors. I wouldn’t just stop at blood donation, either. Appeals for tissue, bone marrow and organ donations often hit the headlines. Sadly, it seems that demand is never close to being met.  Isn’t it time for the NBS to step up communication?

Filed under: public relations