Banyan Branch

Jen Joyce just might be the definition of ‘social media rockstar.’ As social media manager for Provenance Hotels, Jen manages all of Provenance’s social media activity, profiles and communications keeping each hotel at the forefront of Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, various mobile applications and more.

So Jen, what are your essentials to being a social media rockstar?

1. A traveling computer.
Hello, iPhone (Or another smartphone but I really love (read: need) my iPhone). You won’t always be sitting in front of your computer to connect with your followers so this is a must. I will go on the record (sadly) that I could not live without my iPhone. It is my connection to my work life and my personal life. It also has been known to make several cameos in photos.

2. The right sidekick.

Get to know the influential friends in your community. Buddy up. Become besties. A RT (retweet for the newbie twitter friends out there) is FREE advertising. If you get to know the players that have loyal followers they will be your personal blow horn in assisting you in getting the word out about your next campaign or event. Which brings me to…

3. PBR.
Get ready to party. Throw some great gatherings to bring your followers together. Let them meet the face behind the tweets & updates. Meeting in real life makes their brand loyalty that much stronger. They will most likely become a champion of your brand which in turn makes your life easier. Also, your party goers will become friends too and when asked where they met? Well, again they will have a fantastic little story and you to thank.

4. Hugs and Kisses.
Aww. No, but seriously! You need a brand you can believe in, a brand that you can connect to personally AND professionally. Sure, I could do social media for a baseball team but I would not be nearly as passionate as I am for Provenance. Yes, in the immortal words of The Beatles “All you need is love.” Once that is there most everything will be a piece of cake.

5. A good distraction.

And finally, to be awesome at social media you do need to take a break every once and a while. But Jen! You said we need a traveling computer! Something that will keep us connected at all times! Well, yes but you don’t want to get burned out on social media, right? Especially if you do it personally AND for your 9-5. You need a good distraction. A friend that isn’t totally immersed. Knitting. Your favorite karaoke night (fight the urge to check in!)…etc!

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Here at Banyan Branch we like to “work hard & play hard.” How exactly do we do that, you say? How do we deliver the very best in social media advocacy for clients while having fun and enjoying what we do?

In the blog series “5 Essentials for a Social Media Rockstar”, we’ll ask Banyan Branch staff and friends of BB to share the top five things they need to go above and beyond in their jobs. Enjoy!