So, I’ll admit, it took me a long time to warm up to Twitter. At first I thought it to be overwhelmingly – well, overwhelming. I mean, who could possibly keep up with all of the information being purged? I had enough difficulty maintaining a Facebook status. As with anything however, time sort’s things through and after implementing about 12 Twitter monitoring tools and nailing down who it was that I really wanted to follow, what I really wanted to say and learn, I’ve gotten comfortable there.
Until lately. Well, I take that back, I still like it there but recently I feel as if I am in a cyber relationship with a myriad amount of folks I’ve never even laid eyes on and my every move is in measure with something resembling speed dating. I’ve got 1 minute and 1 Tweet to prove my worth. Eeek, what if I’m having a bad hair day and not at my wittiest? My numbers climb, then they drop and vice versa. Was it me? Did I make a bad first impression? Do I have bad breath? Was I just being used for a number and when I didn’t immediately reciprocate affection I got dropped? I mean hey, I’m not that kinda girl. Maybe it takes me a little time to get to know you.
And then comes Qwitter. Yikes. If someone stops following you, then you immediately stop following him or her? When did Twitter become spiteful? Are you following people because they interest you or because of numbers alone? And truly, you might not be interested in my random thoughts about social media marketing, what I had for breakfast or my favorite music of the week but I still might really be interested in what you have to say. Do I have to stop following you because you stopped following me?
Sometimes, you meet people, and you think you have something in common and in time, you realize that you don’t. That’s ok. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s just who we are. Can’t we still be friends? You might follow me but I’m just not interested in antique cars or optical physics so I don’t return the follow. Isn’t that my right? It doesn’t mean that I still don’t think you’re fabulous. It just means that our Twitter relationship will never go to the next level because we don’t have much to talk about - so, I’m bowing out gracefully before anyone gets hurt.
I’m not here for numbers, I’m here to learn, laugh, educate and hopefully connect with some folks that have common interests. It’s ok if your not my type – or I yours. I think? I wouldn’t want anyone to follow me if they aren’t interested in social media, food or music – because what I have to say would most likely bore them – and I don’t want to be the lame girl at the party.
My thought is that people might be taking this game of Tweeting a bit too seriously. Personally, if you have 3 followers or 30,000 that won’t make a difference to me. I like you for you and I’ll follow you because something you’ve said has sparked my interest. If I stop following you, it’s nothing personal; maybe we’ve just drifted apart. It’s not you; it’s me. No hard feelings ok?
Showing posts with label Social Media Marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Media Marketing. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Is Social Media Really Just a Nudist Colony?
The title of my blog was inspired by a Twitter exchange between Chris Brogan and I. Although I had no intentions of using it and the mention was purely in jest, I thought about the validity of it today driving into the office. It makes sense because well, aren't we all really somewhat 'naked' in this world of social media, hence, creating a community (or a colony) of nudists?
Social media allows for a 'rawness' that previously hasn't been available in the world of how we communicate. It's now acceptable to befriend your CEO, colleagues and acquaintances on Facebook, and the like, allowing them insight into your personal life, your personality, those that you choose to surround yourself with and what you find interesting. It's a world in which diversity is celebrated and promoted. The geeks, the intellects, the witty and so on. We're all here, dancing around somewhat naked letting others peek through the window and be voyeurs into our lives.
Why? How is this effective? It's simple; it's a lot easier to listen and to exchange when there is humanity. When interaction is brought to a more personal level we tend to find commonalities. For some, that's easy, for others, not so much. Personally, I'm an open book. What you see is what you get and if you can't see it, I'm more than happy to share with you anything that you'd like to know. I am sure there are some secrets and skeletons but I don't exactly have bones falling out of my mouth every time I open it. I'm not actually yellow as my picture might suggest, but that's just me having fun with my Mac. Befriend me on Facebook and you can see me in full color.
We're continually reading all of the recent studies regarding how companies are adopting Web 2.0 and social media. Within these metrics exist a variety of companies that still haven't. My only conclusion is that they are afraid to take their clothes off. When we stand raw and naked we open ourselves up to not just approval but criticism as well. That frightful moment of wondering, what do they think of me? Perhaps executives and employees alike have yet to find their voice or have no interest in hearing what others have to say - but they should, it's truly inspiring. By allowing people to network, connect and communicate your only increasing their abilities and tools to learn from one other. When has knowledge ever been a bad thing?
I'm having a blast hearing what others have to say, more importantly, I'm learning things that I otherwise may not have known. I also am utilizing this avenue as a means to have a voice for companies that I work with, as well as for myself. I have no problem being naked with ya'll. Flaws and all.
Cheers!
Social media allows for a 'rawness' that previously hasn't been available in the world of how we communicate. It's now acceptable to befriend your CEO, colleagues and acquaintances on Facebook, and the like, allowing them insight into your personal life, your personality, those that you choose to surround yourself with and what you find interesting. It's a world in which diversity is celebrated and promoted. The geeks, the intellects, the witty and so on. We're all here, dancing around somewhat naked letting others peek through the window and be voyeurs into our lives.
Why? How is this effective? It's simple; it's a lot easier to listen and to exchange when there is humanity. When interaction is brought to a more personal level we tend to find commonalities. For some, that's easy, for others, not so much. Personally, I'm an open book. What you see is what you get and if you can't see it, I'm more than happy to share with you anything that you'd like to know. I am sure there are some secrets and skeletons but I don't exactly have bones falling out of my mouth every time I open it. I'm not actually yellow as my picture might suggest, but that's just me having fun with my Mac. Befriend me on Facebook and you can see me in full color.
We're continually reading all of the recent studies regarding how companies are adopting Web 2.0 and social media. Within these metrics exist a variety of companies that still haven't. My only conclusion is that they are afraid to take their clothes off. When we stand raw and naked we open ourselves up to not just approval but criticism as well. That frightful moment of wondering, what do they think of me? Perhaps executives and employees alike have yet to find their voice or have no interest in hearing what others have to say - but they should, it's truly inspiring. By allowing people to network, connect and communicate your only increasing their abilities and tools to learn from one other. When has knowledge ever been a bad thing?
I'm having a blast hearing what others have to say, more importantly, I'm learning things that I otherwise may not have known. I also am utilizing this avenue as a means to have a voice for companies that I work with, as well as for myself. I have no problem being naked with ya'll. Flaws and all.
Cheers!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Can social media keep you young?
I was driving to work the other day listening to an interview with an author discussing our obsession with 'staying young' - this is primarily an issue with women as we contemplate ways to somehow maintain a lineless face exhibiting no history of our stories - as if this gives us character or beauty? However that's a completely different blog so back to the topic at hand (as I lovingly apply anti-aging serum).
So, this whole fountain of youth discussion got me thinking about ways to 'stay youthful' and obviously, social media came to mind. I truly believe that social media is a tool to 'keep us young'. It's by no means a fountain of youth but in many ways, it does in fact keep the mind and the spirit 'youthful'.
Look at the content that we as a collective group share across all boundaries regardless of age, title, status etc. - Often times the content might just be silly, mocking politics, the state of the world, or it can be pertinent to the world of social media marketing that I exist in. Regardless - we are sharing - the conversation never stops. It keeps my mind tuned and active on a constant basis. That has to beneficial? How many people, friends, relatives and colleagues do you know that now participate in communities, blogs, have a Facebook page, etc.? Most I presume. I even saw my mother had created a Facebook page the other day (she'll be 60 on Friday)! Social media engages people and although many of us use it at a vehicle for education, many utilize it for fun as well.
Point being - social media is bridging a gap between generations and cultures. It allows for the older to connect with the younger - stay in tune and 'hip' to what's current and it allows for the younger to learn from those who have broader experiences to share. There's a flow as opposed to a barrier.
Each time my 'Twitterrific' pops up and I see an interesting post or note, I read. My mind is constantly being stimulated. The best trick to keep the mind and body young is to remain active - and so in that regard I'm doing my best to stay fit - wouldn't the assumption be for anyone utilizing social media on a regular basis that you would reap the benefits as well? So perhaps on some level, social media is one of the answers to the long sought after fountain of youth? Drink from the cup - (even though it often times might over flow-eth), and you just might be around a bit longer...
Now, if I could just figure out a way to burn some significant calories and get my heart rate up while blogging, Twittering, Facebooking and the like....hmmmmm
So, this whole fountain of youth discussion got me thinking about ways to 'stay youthful' and obviously, social media came to mind. I truly believe that social media is a tool to 'keep us young'. It's by no means a fountain of youth but in many ways, it does in fact keep the mind and the spirit 'youthful'.
Look at the content that we as a collective group share across all boundaries regardless of age, title, status etc. - Often times the content might just be silly, mocking politics, the state of the world, or it can be pertinent to the world of social media marketing that I exist in. Regardless - we are sharing - the conversation never stops. It keeps my mind tuned and active on a constant basis. That has to beneficial? How many people, friends, relatives and colleagues do you know that now participate in communities, blogs, have a Facebook page, etc.? Most I presume. I even saw my mother had created a Facebook page the other day (she'll be 60 on Friday)! Social media engages people and although many of us use it at a vehicle for education, many utilize it for fun as well.
Point being - social media is bridging a gap between generations and cultures. It allows for the older to connect with the younger - stay in tune and 'hip' to what's current and it allows for the younger to learn from those who have broader experiences to share. There's a flow as opposed to a barrier.
Each time my 'Twitterrific' pops up and I see an interesting post or note, I read. My mind is constantly being stimulated. The best trick to keep the mind and body young is to remain active - and so in that regard I'm doing my best to stay fit - wouldn't the assumption be for anyone utilizing social media on a regular basis that you would reap the benefits as well? So perhaps on some level, social media is one of the answers to the long sought after fountain of youth? Drink from the cup - (even though it often times might over flow-eth), and you just might be around a bit longer...
Now, if I could just figure out a way to burn some significant calories and get my heart rate up while blogging, Twittering, Facebooking and the like....hmmmmm
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