HSVMA is Using Social Media to Promote Online Community with its Members

May 7, 2012

We live in a world of ever-changing technology, and trying to keep up with the latest developments can be overwhelming at times. How many times have you been asked by friends and colleagues if you use social media such as Facebook or Linked In? If you aren’t using social media professionally or just “socially,” you’ve probably thought it’s too difficult or will take too much time. The good news is that it’s actually easy to join the social media party, and how much or how little time you want to put into it is up to you. And once you’re online, you may find yourself “hooked” on it. Social media can be a great way to exchange information with peers, network, make new friends who may be across the country or across the globe and is a great way to reconnect with friends from your veterinary school or program or even childhood!

A great resource for veterinarians or staff starting on a social media project or trying to improve one that has not been very productive is Social Media for Veterinary Professionals by Brenda Tassava, CVPM, CVJ. From creating an online community, to managing a veterinary practice's brand and reputation, this book will help teach veterinary professionals the value of social media in today's world. It will show you how you can use social media to take your practice and career to new heights by allowing you to bond with your clients beyond the examination room.

The book is mainly focused on the use of websites, Facebook, blogs, Twitter etc., and not necessarily the technical details which can be found with those specific applications. It also contains an interesting and informative section on getting staff on board with your social media project.

The HSVMA maintains a social media presence through two of the most popular social networking websites, Facebook and Linked In.

The largest of the social networking sites, Facebook boasts more than 900 million active users, and has become a favorite destination for people, businesses, and organizations to connect and share information because of its easy-to-use interface and interactive features. According to Social Media Today, in April 2010 an estimated 41.6% of the U.S. population had a Facebook account.

Linked In is a professional networking site with 90 million users in more than 200 countries that allows members to create professional profiles detailing their professional expertise and work history, to be recommended by previous employers and clients, to develop professional business contacts, and to seek employment.

If you are on Facebook and aren’t already a fan of ours, we’d like to encourage you to visit and “Like” the official HSVMA page. The HSVMA Facebook page is a place where you can find information and images not only of and about your organization and its advocacy and field service work, but also fun and interesting news about the veterinary and animal protection worlds.

For those members that use Linked In, we also encourage you to join the HSVMA group.

We look forward to seeing you in the brave new world of social media and interacting with your fellow HSVMA members!