We all know that social media is a great resource for businesses. It allows you to interact with current and potential customers. This interaction not only includes solving problems and general communication, but it is also an opportunity to showcase products and test trial business ideas. Most entrepreneurs and influencers are using basic, mostly free tools, to enhance their businesses.
The Wayne State University ISM department is a great way to learn how to leverage these. When I first found the course I was interested in, ISM 7505: Inbound Information Technology, I was excited and yet confused. What was ISM? The course description of learning about social media, email marketing, etc. really intrigued me. My interested was sparked as I always found myself scrolling social media and listening to podcast yet not understanding how these people were able to monetize these endeavors.
As a podcaster, I was able to apply my semester knowledge in real time. Of all the lessons, the most important were the business persona. Your business persona is your ideal customer. Personas are built using interviews, data and trends. My co-host and I thought we knew who our idea customer (or listener) was … black women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In hindsight, we were warm, yet further off from being “on the money” (accurate as possible). The persona module helped me clarify more about our customer.
- Us (the co-host) range from 27-30 years of age. On the show, we speak very informal on our past experiences and future. This also spans into our social media. It was important that we understand that our persona would be able to relate to us in lingo, interest (career, personal and professional development, academics, etc.). Utilizing our social media insights, we were able to understand majority of our audience are 25-34 years of age.
- Who falls under the STEM umbrella? We assumed that since we all have a STEM/Engineering background and corporate work experience, our ideal customer would follow the same path. As I started to explore more into our over 8,000 followers, I learned that while many people were of traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic backgrounds, many were in pursuit of careers in academia. Also, we had a growing following of nurses. This sparked us to ask is nursing STEM? Who would be “welcomed” under our STEM umbrella?
While age and interest are not complete personas, they are crucial to marketing to your target. Personas can include a variety of information such as educational background, salary, race, political view, etc. The more in depth you explore your customer the better you cater products and experiences. Furthermore, personas are not the only area needed to ensure success. So, if you have a passion project, business to grow, or just interested becoming an influencer, the Information System Management courses are a perfect way to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Created by Alanna Tremble -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanna-tremble-577a9022/