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By on February 6, 2009

3 Ways Our Government is Using Social Media

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by Regis Hadiaris

In a recent Twitterview with Advertising Age‘s Pete Blackshaw, Andrew Wilson at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shared a practical view of how government is using social media.

Social Media Lessons from Andrew (AndrewPWilson on Twitter):

  1. Listen—it’s the first step in social media. HHS is trying to understand the tools, what is being said, and how they can contribute to the conversation.
  2. Develop meaningful relationships. Just like Andrew learned when working with farmers in the Peace Corps, personal connections are immensly valuable.  Technology is simply a facilitator of those connections.
  3. Follow the leaders. Andrew points out that the Centers for Disease Control and AIDS.gov are both doing tremendous work in social media.

Personally, I think it’s important to note that all of Andrew’s interactions so far have been positive.  We’ll see how the HHS team evolves and responds to adversity over time.  As most of us already know, the social web can be an amazingly helpful, and sometimes unforgiving, place.

Regis Hadiaris is an award-winning Internet marketer and experienced leader known for unconventional ideas and impressive results.  His blog, Dot Connector, is a popular destination for personal development.

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4 comments on “3 Ways Our Government is Using Social Media”

  1. Chaunna Brooke Says:

    February 6th, 2009 at 2:28 am

    Social media is an excellent platform not just for the businesses but for the government as well. Social media can be used as a piece by policy makers too to put the message forward.

  2. dianne Says:

    February 6th, 2009 at 10:02 am

    very nice and informative site. I really had a great time reading some of you post.. keep it up and looking forward to read more soon.

    dianne’s last blog post..Hectic Capiznon Bloggers 2009 Inter School Contest

  3. Nick Stamoulis Says:

    February 6th, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Ever since Obama’s campaign with the high importance spent on social media I think our government is starting to except it’s power.

  4. Matt | Small Biz Bee Says:

    February 6th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    I think it’s great that government is getting more into social media. It should result in more interaction, more communication and hopefully transparency/trust, but we’ll see.

    Matt

    Matt | Small Biz Bee’s last blog post..By: smallbizbee