Personally I’ve been using it since about 2006 or so; we started Kennametal’s presence in social media around 2009 with a YouTube Channel!
2. What social media outlets do you use?
Kennametal uses Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+ and some regional outlets as well. We also blog.
3. How often do you post to your accounts?
It depends on what account. Twitter, we try to post a couple times a day to reach a broader audience; Facebook, an average of 4-5 times per week; LinkedIn and Google+ a couple times a week. We update our blog a few times a month.
4. What device do you use primarily when posting to or using social media? (Computer, iPhone, etc.)
Almost always a computer, but I do check our accounts when I’m out and about. If someone makes a post or a comment, I’ll typically respond via my mobile device.
5. How do you balance your presence among different networks? (Do you post different things? Do you use one for personal and one for professional, etc.?)
In regards to Kennametal, we do alter our “speak” on each platform. Same message just spun a little bit differently.
6. How do you engage with your social media audience?
We ask questions, we answer questions; we look to build online relationships with those posting in and about our industry.
7. In using social media, what do you find to be the most rewarding? Most challenging?
When a customer tells you you’re doing something right and they appreciate the quick response, that makes you stand a little taller. The challenging piece of it for our industry is just getting the conversation started — lack of resources sometimes holds us back from doing all we’d like to do. But isn’t this typical of every function in a business? 😉
8. How has social media helped your business or brand?
Recognition – it’s opened up a communication channel with folks we may never touch or hear from. From product, to industry and product development, the social conversation is helping us better provide to our customers … in all aspects.
9. Which social media outlet do you think is underutilized? OR Which outlet do you see as an up-and-comer?
LinkedIn – there’s still so much opportunity out there on LinkedIn and I think businesses have only tapped into about a quarter of its potential.
10. What are some of your favorite accounts or pages to follow?
Personally … I love to follow our CMO (@JHJackoCMO) and our CEO (@CarlosMCardoso) to see what they’re thinking. I’m always encouraged when they post things that are in-line with what I’m thinking or what I believe, it allows me to push that extra mile. I also love General Electric (@GeneralElectric). They are a big brand that engages with just about everyone who mentions them. They not only engage their audience to comment, they then keep the conversation going. I swear I think I had a one-week conversation with them about kitchens once. It’s amazing to see the kind of comments they receive, how they respond and then continually follow-up. I’d love to understand how their team is made up!
11. Have you been guilty of a social media faux pas? Care to share details?
Yes, yes, I have, and anybody who tells you they haven’t is mistaken. I’ve occasionally been known to post my personal tweets from our corporate accounts, they’ve been deleted almost immediately, but it’s been noticed by a few. J
12. How would you describe social media to your Grandmother (or Grandfather)?
It’s the telephone you’ve never known that you’ve always wanted.
- Never miss a call.
- If you don’t feel like talking, you don’t have to.
- You can read the news that you want to read about, no more unnecessary stories.
- You can “connect” with others across the globe to learn and share what interests you.
- And of course, you can keep up with your grandchildren and know just about everything they have going on. For most grandparents this is enough to get them hooked.
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Jennifer Altimore is a site content manager for Kennametal, a global tool designer, innovator and manufacturer that sold more than $2.4 billion of products and services in 2011, and a social media consultant for local small businesses, non-profits and individuals. Jennifer’s skills and passion have elevated Kennametal to a thought leader in the social media landscape.
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