social media is not just another me too thing
(although it might look and feel like that judging by the number of times it gets talked about!).
indeed, if you think like that – constantly looking left and right (“have you seen what they are doing!”) – then you will fail, every time.
neither is social media about the tools – you can’t hope to stay on top of every new iteration. Pinterest might be the flavour of 2012, but you can bet there will be something in production that the (young) inventors hope will be a gazillion times better, and more profitable.
no, social media is about:
- being an artist (“no, not that type – Hofmeister isn’t sold any more, is it?”);
- being passionate about something (on the cusp of being a zealot, perhaps);
- having an idea worth sharing;
- wanting to make a dent in the Universe;
- producing something remarkable;
- adopting a giving mindset; and
- staying curious.
if all you see is £/$ then it will become just like the t.v. industrial complex where you set out to bug the life out of people, resulting in more than just a set of disillusioned fans.
of course, not all sectors (or people) are right for social, and it shouldn’t be forced on you (or your audience).
and, if you are having second thoughts about the reason why you started down the road, then embrace the moment, take stock and ask yourself, why.
why social as opposed to delivering WOW service?
why social as opposed to MBWA (Managing by Wandering About)?
why social as opposed to showing leadership and not managing the status quo?
why social as opposed to speaking out to a few more people (if you must put it up on You Tube then fine but it is the passion, mission and vision that comes first).
finally, as i have been saying for a while, once everyone gets social and all websites are adorned with the same platforms then how will i be able to differentiate your offering?
the people that will be uber successful will be those people that get in early (having crossed the chasm), put down a few markers, built their tribe and understand the paradigm. at that stage they will be able to rely on the permission asset, acquired over many years, to continue building a successful business.