Social Media Professor

Quick—how many of you are following GM on Twitter? Chrysler? How about one of the in-touch intimate car brands—are you following BMW? Every time I make a presentation about marketing with social media, I ask the same questions. The results are the same wherever I go: NO ONE follows GM or Chrysler. I used to be able to say no one follows BMW until I gave a presentation with three BMW PR pros in attendance. (Two of them were following BMW, by the way.)

However, when I ask, “How many of you are following Ford on Twitter,” nearly everyone raises his/her hand. They also say in unison, “Scott.”

Ford has established a strong presence on Twitter because they’re supporting a real person—Scott Monty. We all know Scott works for Ford. Still, we feel a special connection with Ford because Scott makes us feel like we’re friends.

Listen to how Scott’s staying real while “doing social media” for a huge company. (Political wannabes, please listen to Scott’s message. YOU need it and WE need you to get it!)