Facebook is like college. In a door-opening, it’s up to you kinda way.
I started today’s #Let’sBlogOff challenge, “Does Facebook create community, or does it isolate?” tempted to make social media right or wrong. But, I didn’t like that approach. I think social media tools are simply options. Kind of like college. No, they’re not necessary for success, but they do open a whole lot of doors that might not have opened without them. Also like college, participation alone doesn’t guarantee success. The experience you have is entirely up to you.
What I appreciate most about social media is its platform for creativity and individuality. Anything that thrives on authentic expression is okay in my book. Catching a glimpse of what moves and motivates people (and business) encourages me to share what moves and motivates me.
It’s this opening up and encouragement of each other that facilitates connection and community.
And when I don’t like what I see… I realize it’s not my job to judge. My job is to cultivate relationships that enhance my life. The beauty of social media is that I have the option to Friend, Like, Tweet and actually meet whomever I choose. I appreciate the opportunity to cross paths with people I would never had met before these tools came along. They’ve brightened my day, made me think bigger and want to strive to be better.
This presents powerful possibility for business. We simply don’t trust business the way we used to. We’d rather get guidance from friends than brands. So, businesses that consider using social media to reach out, or at least embrace the call to have a more candid, beyond-product dialogue with customers, now have the opportunity to develop stronger, longer-lasting relationships than ever before.
That’s just my opinion. Here are 7 reasons to ponder involvement in social media from expert futurist, Faith Popcorn… One of which is,
“In the past, you were what you owned, now you are what you share.”
And, here are 4 businesses I think are creating community and connections well beyond what they could have done before social media graced us with its presence:
Small town boutique launches 10 Tees to Change the World
All Things Jeep goes Topless and rallies fans around the world
Boot Barn turns Stinky Boots into a problem to be proud of
Why I Love my Hardie-Home contest.
Winner receives $9,000 from James Hardie building products
Join #LetsBlogOff, comment and check out posts from other participants here.
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| 8 comments
Paul Anater
You picked some really great examples. Social media levels the playing field in addition to opening up space for greater and more meaningful connections.
Sean @ SLS Construction
Very nice points Denise and a great article
Cham
Great post – and just think! Without #letsblogoff (which wouldn’t be possible without social media), we wouldn’t have known about those businesses who are making the most of the unique platforms provided/inspired by mediums such as facebook, twitter, etc.
(Love love love those tshirts by the way!)
Denese
I know! Which is probably a point I should’ve emphasized… I love that I’m able to know about people and businesses that I had no idea about before. And, I’m doing a post on that little t-shirt shop this week… I haven’t personally seen those shirts yet, but I’ve bought others there. They always fit so nice, last a long time and get all kinds of compliments.
details and design
cool ideas above! I would say my only complaint is the gaming on fb…I mean..really? That is a “get a life” deal….I banned farmville and all the rest…and i HATE auto tweets too!
ThoughtfulContent » Luv-filled shop uses social media to spread vision
[...] so touched by her story that I’m writing about it and sharing it with my friends. This is exactly how a business broadens its opportunities beyond its local community and deepens relationships within it. I’m happy to see her taking [...]
Denese
Cheryl – Thanks for your insight … I agree – I have no idea what Farmville is and am not interested enough to spend the time figuring it out. But, It’s clearly fulfilling some type of need out there. So, more power to them, I guess. And if I had a pink message pad, I’d write this down and give it to you
Loved your blog post.
classycareergirl
I also love that social media allows us to be able to talk to basically anyone that I want to talk to. I think it has totally changed business and relationships in general. It is so much easier to be able to keep in touch with customers, clients, friends and family.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!