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7 Core Values at the Heart of Successful Social Media

Listen to understand.

Have a conversation.

Inform and educate.

Simplify.

Be generous.

Be real.

Trust your community.

Author Archive

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Farewell: 5 Social Media Lessons I’ve Learned as Social Media Mentor

August 23, 2011 • By Kelly Merrick, Social Media Mentor

Kelly Merrick

Well, folks, this is my final blog post on behalf of Hive Strategies. I’ve taken a new job and am moving to Portland, Oregon, with my husband Josh.

I have really enjoyed my position as Social Media Mentor for Hive Strategies, especially being able to help our clients navigate through the social media world.

I have also learned a lot through the blogs I have written and read, and thought that it would be an appropriate time to share some of the most important things I’ve learned about social media. (more…)

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Posted in Be Real, Conversation, Social Media, Strategies | 1 Comment »

Do Your Hospital’s Social Media Efforts Show Empathy?

August 18, 2011 • By Kelly Merrick, Social Media Mentor

flickr: alancleaver_2000

One of our core values at Hive is “Be Real,” one that we emphasize when talking to our clients about social media.

It’s an important value to have, because the act of  understanding another person’s situation, feelings and motives can take an otherwise hostile or tense situation and turn it into a positive one.

I recently read an article published in Psychology Today titled “I Feel Your Pain: Why empathy, compassion and altruism are not just for softies.”  The article discusses how to show empathy, and when one might do so. (more…)

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Posted in Be Real, Community, Social Media | 2 Comments »

What’s a QR Code? Three Things to Consider Before Adding a QR Code to your Social Media Strategy

August 11, 2011 • By Kelly Merrick, Social Media Mentor

I read an article today titled “Why Are Some QR Codes More Scanworthy Than Others?” by Mashable. Among the information presented in the infographic were reasons why respondents were not familiar with QR codes.

The reasons included: I don’t know what they are, I don’t have a smart phone and I’ve never seen a QR code.

When asked what would make them more likely to scan QR codes, the answers were: having a smart phone, knowing the reward or the result and knowing how to scan QR codes. (more…)

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Posted in Social Media, Strategies | No Comments »

5 Reasons to Integrate Podcasts into Your Hospital’s Social Media Plan

August 4, 2011 • By Kelly Merrick, Social Media Mentor

flickr: wmbreedveld

I have a confession: I love podcasts. I would choose listening to a podcast over listening to music or watching TV any day. I enjoy them so much because they are interesting, provide me with new information, and I have to admit, I like being able to multitask while listening.

The podcasts I subscribe to have topics ranging from politics to world news to comedy to science to healthcare, and all are different but equally fascinating.

If you’re not sure what a podcast is, it’s an audio media file that is typically released on a regular basis and can be downloaded through an online subscription service, such as iTunes. They can be produced by anyone with a recording device and a little bit of technology know-how, including your hospital. (more…)

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Posted in Social Media, Strategies | 4 Comments »

Use Current Events to Inspire Your Hospital Blog

July 28, 2011 • By Kelly Merrick, Social Media Mentor

flickr: aless&ro

Earlier this month in Nehalem, Oregon, a small town on the Oregon Coast, a family suffered one of the most traumatic events possible. Their son, just a few days shy of one years old, was killed by the family dog.

The article, which I read in The Oregonian, is devastating. The attack was completely unprovoked, and I can’t imagine the pain that the incident caused the family, especially since the dog had no prior record of violence.

As unfortunate as events like these are, they serve as important reminders for the rest of us, who hope to learn from them and to avoid them. Tragic events like this also make for effective blog content. (more…)

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Posted in Blogging, Social Media | No Comments »

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