Maybe the real message is, “Ask not what social media can do for you; ask what you can do for social media.”
There is plenty of dialog (and we are part of it) about how social media can help you build and grow your business, engage with your market, and communicate your brand. And all of these points are valid and true.
Used effectively, social media can help you with your business, message, or personal brand. And those who use it effectively need to target their efforts toward the types of goals they want to achieve. For example, do you want to use social media to build recognition of your brand or do you want it to increase traffic to your website? Is your intent to improve the manner and ease with which you engage with your consumer (and they engage with you) or are you more interested in results such as trying to build your ‘list’ or increase your drop ship sales?
In order to gain from what social media platforms have to offer, you really do need to know what your target objective is. You also need to know:
- How much time you are willing to devote to your social media efforts.
- Who will manage your social media interactions if not you.
- Which social media platforms work best for your needs.
- How you will build your social media presence.
- How you will track your results, and a number of other specific objectives regarding what social media can do for you.
But is the Bigger Question Still: What Will You Do for Social Media?
Where social media ultimately goes will be determined entirely by those who use it most. Will your contribution be a positive or a negative one?
Here are suggestions for enhancing your contribution, but I am hoping you will add to this list:
- Will you set high standards for the ways in which you use social media; contributing only true and accurate information that is non-defamatory and will not be hurtful to others?
- Will you finish what you start?
- Are you committed to both no overt spam AND no ‘veiled’ spam as well?
- Can you educate others on social media responsibility?
Clearly social media affords a powerful tool that can influence the outcome of elections, make or break reputations, and carry communication beyond physical walls and barriers. Social media is both a whole lot of fun and deathly serious business.
What are your thoughts? How can we all use this media more responsibly? And what are the parameters of social media and social responsibility?
Are You a Social Media Giver or Social Media Taker?
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