Some of us were introduced to Facebook when we were already– ahem–mature.  So local Facebook celebrity Brandon Porter‘s presentation last week on “Effective Use of Social Media” was very informative.  Even made one wonder if maybe old dogs can learn new tricks :)

Shannon Buckmaster introduces Brandon Porter.

The first speaker in a two-part series of programs on social media, Brandon began by providing background on his career and how it led him to use Facebook especially. He has a B.S. in Psychology from George Fox. His first job was in sales at Acura of Beaverton.  He became known there as a “client advocate,” and often took the client’s side, not the dealership’s, in negotiations.

“Then real estate came in to the picture, where being a client advocate is good, ” he smiled. He is now a licensed realtor.  “With some 9000 realtors in Oregon and so much competition, I had to find a way to stand out and do something different,” he explained. That “something different” was use of social media.

“Today, the #1 consumer information source is video. Live video is especially important. People love watching you,” he said.

Local Facebook show host Brandon Porter.

Brandon started a Facebook show and produced a new video every Wednesday. He featured local events and local businesses. “I tell what it’s like to live in this part of the country. My number one goal is to help make Newberg a destination spot. In doing so, I’m setting myself up an as expert on the community.”

He gave some tips for doing live video:

  • Hold the phone sideways, not vertically, to fill the screen better.
  •  Make sure you’re looking at the camera, not the screen
  • Studies show 60% of people will stop watching a video after two minutes, so keep it to that.

According to Brandon, Facebook has more active users than the population of China. It has now surpassed $500 billion in value as a company, and a lot of that comes from advertising sales. Brandon said to look at Facebook as if it were a tv channel.  “They want to place ad images in front of you, just like an ESPN would.”

He said the “Like” button was designed on the same principle as a casino–just enough rewards to keep you hooked.  “It’s almost like getting a hit of dopamine. Facebook doesn’t want you to leave their platform.  They have developed an algorithm for who should see what when.”  He said the algorithm has some key factors, including:

  • Affinity–who sees who
  • Weight –how many likes, comments and shares a post gets. Shares have the most weight

He recommended taking the time to create posts worth engaging with, because you need people to respond quickly. As you engage in a genuine, meaningful way, your affinity goes up.  You should also comment on a post in a way that solicits a response.

There is a concept called “time decay,” which is how long it takes a post to disappear off of the newsfeed.  He said many posts last only 70 to 90 seconds and disappear if not engaged.

Brandon also gave an example of how you can brand yourself on Facebook by adding value rather than by directly soliciting business.  “A friend in the insurance business captured on video an SUV pinballing down a hill in Tigard in the ice and snow. He posted it, then used the “whip effect,”  which is taking momentum from the first post and transferring it to a second post. He formulated tips for what to do if you get in a car accident and posted those. He offered help instead of soliciting” and generated business.

He also suggested identifing the people who want to see you succeed. “Reach out…let them know you need their help. Ask them to like, comment and share your posts.”

UPCOMING EVENT

This coming Monday, Jan. 15th, will be Newberg’s 7th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  This year also commemorates the 50th anniversary of his assassination.  The theme for this year’s event is “Be The Dream,” and local social justice advocate and community organizer Ines Pena is the guest speaker. Ines is the first Latina to address the event. Doors open at 5:30pm at the Chehalem Cultural Center, with the program at 6pm. A Resource Fair and refreshments are scheduled at 7pm.

GUESTS

Shaina Farrer, communications manager with Love Inc., joined us to learn more about social media. She plans to return this week, too.

Ashley Wirthlin Mumm, owner, Ashley Mumm Marketing LLC.  Ashley will be our speaker on Wednesday.

Ethan Saunders, Videographer with Brandon Porter

Nick Hoogendam, Countrywide Insurance

Spike, Judy and Dr. Stan dish up lunch for local seniors.

BITS AND PIECES

Spike Sumner, Judy Robinson and Dr. Stan Kern are among the club members who volunteer regularly at the Senior Center. They prep, serve lunches and clean up afterward. There’s still time to sign up to be on this committee.  Many other committee options are available too.  If you haven’t signed up yet, please see Paula Radich.

Auction Committee Chair Denise Bacon has donation forms available. If you need some, please see Denise. She also reported the auction committee meetings will move back to Adec in the evening to make them more convenient.

Guatemala Dental Committee Chair Auggie Gonzales reminded us that this year’s mission is scheduled for the first week in March. If you are interested, please contact Auggie.

Laura Tilrico, International Chair, reported that the second round of District matching grants is underway.  A grant request for $1500 has been approved for the Mt. View Middle School Resource Room and one is in the works for $500 for a Rotary mural in Newberg.