Albion Kick Off Responsible Use Of Social Media

Brighton and Hove Albion – who were recently awarded ‘best new sports stadium in the world’ – have been running extra training sessions to boost their reputation online.

The club commissioned two social media experts to train players and managers on the responsible use of social media.

The football club’s Head of Communications Paul Camillin commented; “The interactive training provided by Clive and his team helped us highlight the many challenges and opportunities around social media for those in the limelight. As a club we aim to provide fast, effective and friendly communications with fans, and by constantly evaluating and taking advantage of new technology, helps enhance the club’s reputation with our supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders. Using social media in a positive and productive way is just one core element of that overall communications strategy.”

Social Media trainers Wendy Kier, Brighton’s Queen of Twitter, and Rottingdean’s own Clive Bonny of Strategic Management Partners, delivered a specially designed interactive training session called RESPEC-T-WITTER. This demonstrated many Dos and Don’ts, reducing risks of inappropriate comments, and showing the online impact of comments by footballers and fans.

Clive Bonny says: “The 2012 Olympics has shown that sports clubs and their personalities can really enhance fan loyalty and reputations by using new media skills. Team GB achieved 4.4 million Facebook and Twitter comments, and Tom Daley gained an extra 800,000 followers in just one month. Sports clubs like the Albion who offer structured online training can nurture a massive new community of fans and make it easier to recruit top players and staff. The Albion is leading the way in this area.”

Albion in the Community’s Want to Work scheme recognises the growing influence of social media in business, but also the role it can play for job seekers to engage directly with potential employers. Social media is for everyone and if used correctly can be a great tool to network, research, liaise and add to your reputation when finding employment.

The next open public session is Sep 27 at 3pm at the stadium. For further info and future dates contact Clive Bonny Clive@consult-smp.com 01273 308865