Last week Crowd Factory was honored to have met our new summer intern, Forrest Greene.  We have immensely enjoyed having Forrest’s young energy here in the San Francisco offices.  Anxious to learn, happy to help with anything and always in an great mood.   We thought you’d like to get to know our new friend…read on!

As a college student I like to think that I know the ups and downs of the different social media platforms. Let’s face it; I was there from the birth of MySpace to the new found success of Twitter and even more popular FaceBook. I would even go as far as describing myself as a social media expert. I can’t remember how many times I’ve taught an older relative how to “friend” somebody on Facebook. I know how to use the different platforms when on my PC and have each application installed on my smart phone.

Sure I know how to change my profile picture or tag somebody in a photo and even update my status. I know how to start a trending topic and Twitpic the “food” being served in the cafeteria. Sometimes I might even send a secret direct message to a classmate. With something so large there has to be another use. Like most students I use social media to connect with my peers. Unfortunately with the gaining popularity of social networking I connect with my parents, well my parents connect with me, but that’s an entirely different story! But is using Facebook and Twitter to talk with friends about last weekend’s party the only way it can be used? Am I only suppose to log onto Facebook to see if somebody posted and pictures from spring break? Yes, Twitter is perfect for keeping students awake during those 8am lectures and the early morning train rides but there has to be another use.

Believe it or not newspapers use to be the best way to reach your target market. Times have changed and so has this channel of communication. Today it’s all about the internet. I have always heard of people trying to monetize their website or blog. What exactly does this mean and how can it be done? The answer is right there on our computer screens and in our cell phones…social media. While working with Crowd Factory this summer, I hope to learn how different companies can use different social media campaigns to not only attract new customers but to build brand loyalty with existing customers.