image can be fond on flicker.com. username: keks.au
This week I got put on the Social Media Team at work. In my case, it was officially putting me in something I already was unofficially doing. A little Social, a little SEO Copywriter Chicago, a little PR, a little analytics…
We talked about how we were going to be transparent. I like the idea. I’m always in favor of the idea. People get mad at me because, unless they tell me to keep something a secret, I’m a proponent to the “freedom of information” act.
It got me thinking about how to ensure protection on the company’s brand. (Bare with me. You might need to Finndex these thoughts.)
There’s a caveat when boldly engaging in social media: in addition to engaging a dialogue, Social Media is, yes, supposed to be about transparency and authenticity. And, granted, overt conservatism is starting to fall by the wayside with the election of Obama. But eventually, no matter how far the U.S. political meter shifts to the left, the political correctness of society will collide with the transparency of Social Media. The question will be: how close do you want to be to the accident?
You can be viral and audacious with your honesty. If you’re starting a career, in the middle of the career, or just trying to brand yourself, the honesty in Social Media will be the fast way to find the bounds of your career’s world. But, eventually, you’ll hit a landmine. If you’re prepared, you’ll better be able to mitigate the damage.
I speak of someone who’s made blowing up social environments a habit. I’ve set “experiments” in social dynamics with the Man just to see the outcomes. They make for a great Book of Blues (btw – sttil waiting on my cousin who says he’s about done editing said Book of Blues).
Just remember to keep perspective. Social Media authenticity in the U.S. can be such a revolutionary high that you can forget, for most of us, you’re in “free” market America. More importantly, you’re in a capitalist society. I warn against being too engulfed in Social Media Idealism. Eventually, every good idea gets perverted n abused for profit and personal gain. Some call it “capitalizing,” – in the worst sense of the word. Someone will capitalize on your authenticity: lawsuits, scams, duplication. It will happen. Prepare for it. A new medium still has to obey the existing laws, at least until the laws are updated.
I’m not saying to not engage in social media . Far from that. Embrace it with both arms – n legs if you can. Wrap around it good n tight. 50 years ago a few advertisers had a handful of TV channels and a sprinklin’ of radio stations to get the word out. Advertisers had to be aggressive. Even more ruthless than today. They had to position more. Now, the world is an ocean of information. All you have to do is find the right wave and surf. Enjoy the ride with your clients. You don’t have to try to change the physics of the market to in order to control the tide anymore.
Just remember the Social Media world hasn’t been fully mapped. Venture smart, especially if your dealing with your corporation’s marketing. It’s their livelihood, it’s your livelihood, it’s your friends’ livelihood. For every Lewis n Clark there’s been a Smith n Jones who weren’t as successful.
“Who were Smith n Jones?” Exactly!
My Advice
all great prosecutors think like criminals. All great generals learned how to think like their enemy. All great White Hat SEOs are versed in Black Hat (or they’re getting REALLLY lucky). The best offense is a good defense n vice versa. Insert Sun Tsu s#it here about “all warfare is based on deception”. It’s all accurate.
As Blues god Howlin’ Wolf said: “If you’re thinkin’ evil, you’re thinkin’ ’bout the blues.”
Learn how to think a little evil for your own good.
That’s why I am a Social Media Bluesman.
Popularity: 1% [?]
