Social media can make a real difference (From Daily Echo)

Social media can make a real difference

8:54am Friday 5th February 2010 in

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SOCIAL media being used to promote busi ness, communities and ideas was the theme of a Fit for Business breakfast meeting host ed by Basingstoke MP Maria Miller.

Guest speakers were Rishi Saha, director of new media for Conservative leader David Cameron, and Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke.

When Rishi started to focus on the party’s digital content around three years ago, he said there was only one other person involved.

“We now have eight digital specialists working full-time, and we probably produce between 15 to 20 pieces of original content a day, as opposed to 15 to 20 pieces a year,” said Rishi. “Hundreds of thousands now connect with us via our email, by Facebook, by Twitter or by YouTube.”

Rishi explained that tech nology allows organisations and companies to be able to target their audiences more effectively.

“Digital is becoming a much bigger part of our advertising portfolio, because it helps to minimise waste, and we are targeting the right people in the right way,” he said.

Felicity Edwards spoke about the success of the Destination Basingstoke’s website, relaunched a year ago. Designed by Basing- stoke-based web design agency The Escape, the site is a finalist at the upcoming Hantsweb awards.

While attendees were tuck ing into their breakfasts and networking, Dave Holby was in action on his rowing machine, clocking up a few more miles of his 44,075km target – the equivalent of the circumference of the world – as he raises money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

He is looking towards Basingstoke’s business com munity for support in his efforts to raise £55,000.

On the lookout for donations and potential sponsorship tie- ups, Dave said: “I’m hoping the businesses of Basingstoke can help me reach that amount. I’ve already met some great companies in Basingstoke who have helped me to raise my profile.”