Use of Social Media
Wave of the Future or Fad?
Social Media – Wave of the future or Fad?
Panelists:
• Carol Wilson
Director of Procurement, State of Connecticut
• David Yarkin
NASPO Honorary Member
• Desiree Peterkin Bell
Communications Director, City of Philadelphia
• This session will feature a panel discussion on the
use of social media as it relates to states integrating
its use into procurement-related activities.
• The panel will look at what social media tools states
are using, what their goals are with social media,
how they measure the success of these outlets and
what future possibilities and obstacles exist to
continued use of social media as a procurement
information and communication vehicle.
• Connecticut’s Experience
– Face book
– Feedback from vendors
• Highlights of Connecticut’s Social Media Policy
– Scope
– Policy Statements
– Areas of Concern
• Survey of States
“Selling” Through Social Media
• Challenges
– Many states do not allow employees to visit Facebook, Twitter
and other social media sites.
– CPOs lack time to look at social media during very busy days.
– Procurement officials are looking for solutions to challenges,
not sales pitches.
What Works
• Building on-line communities
– Provide space to share best practices
– Encourage collaboration/participation between
government officials
– Focus on a problem CPO is trying to solve, rather
than promoting your company.
– Make it fun.
What Works
• Follow elected officials on Twitter
– See their priorities and accomplishments
– Learn about new policies and initiatives
– Incorporate these learnings to help solve
procurement officials’ challenges.
• Leverage social media to show connections
with potential customers
• Utilize social media as 21st century bullhorn
– Drive trade show traffic
– Broadcast announcements, press releases
Learn, Then Offer Solutions
Suppliers should present solutions that help
CPO/agencies meet energy efficiency goals.
Learn, Then Offer Solutions
Suppliers can learn State’s direction for
identifying cost savings and position a relevant
solution
Learn, Then Offer Solutions
Suppliers providing services to these agencies
should be forewarned and prepared to defend
value of their contracts.
Connect
• Social media helps surface connections to
introduce suppliers to customers.
Announce
Share success stories that can educate governments on
innovative solutions
Drive traffic to trade show booths