What a terrific day at SHSMD. I attended three sessions related to social media – but each was unique in content and focus.
The presentation I most anticipated was the one by Rhona Williams London and Steve Widmann of Scott & White Hospital. They spoke about Scott & White’s response to the Fort Hood shootings and their use of social media. Essentially, they said that social media were the key to communicating with their constituents throughout the crisis. They had a dire need for blood as the wounded were rushed to their ED, and they were able to use social media to get the word out. They also used social media to keep reporters in the loop and satisfy their need for information – while keeping them at arms length. What a story! If you haven’t read some of the article online about how this crisis was handled, I highly recommend doing so.
Another presentation I had on my list to attend was the Emerging Media panel discussion at the end of the day. Dean Browell of Feedback was on the panel, so I knew it would be good – and even entertaining. Dean is the most grounded Ph.D. I know. And he is incredibly bright. The panel did not disappoint. It was informative and engaging. I thought the audience members asked really good questions and each of the panel members offered valuable insights. My favorite part of the presentation was when Dean said that MySpace is “dead to him.” If it isn’t quite dead, then it is on life support!
I also led a round table discussion at lunch on the topic of marketing to employed and community-based physicians. My group was amazing. When I arrived they were already seated around the table and ready to get started. We had a lively conversation. We all agreed that there is a lot of work to be done in the area of marketing to referring physicians!
Now I’m off to dinner with clients and friends. More tomorrow! I’m presenting at 1:45pm on Hive Marketing – Using Social Media to Activate and Inform Brand Constituents. It’s a very strategic approach to the use of social media. How can you use social media to help your hospital achieve/handle specific business objectives and challenges? I hope to see you there.
Post by Dan Dunlop, The Healthcare Marketer
