It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it

by Lee Smallwood on January 26, 2010

image1693778480.jpgI blogged at the weekend on the importance of being social. But employers, business mangers, owners etc worry about employees using social media without understanding that it can be as important as say going for a round of golf and by the 18th hole a deal has been struck, or holding a ‘meeting’ in the corporate box of the local rugby side or six nations tournaments…!

But even if we’re not pulling out a 3 wood or shouting out the odd blue word when one of the opposing team makes an interception, runs for 50m and strides over the line for try (personal experience coming through there) we’ve been social for so long in so many other ways it makes you wonder what the negativity regarding social media is all about:

• When you call someone to tell them you’ve heard about a potential opportunity for them… you’re being social
• When you share another blogger’s post with your blog readers or Twitter followers… (blatent hint – ahem cough) you’re being social
• When you hand out a business card… you’re being social
• When you return phone calls, respond to emails, post a tweet, write on forums or post comments – you’re being social

Being social is a HUGE part of the business function because people don’t do business with businesses; people do business with people – and with people they like and enjoy being around…

So the real question is, are you taking FULL advantage of the social networking you (or your team) are already doing by exploring different ways of doing what you’ve naturally done for a very long time?

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  • Im disappointed that you missed the opportunity to use the 'fear nettle' in this post Lee. ;-)

    All human nature is about being social. We are by nature social beasts. Social media is about people grasping two things:

    Change and fear of the unknown.

    Its also about control- or the feeling of the lack of it. Social media represents a whole new way of doing business and big business likes to feel in control.

    SM makes them fell powerless like a toothless dog, because they dont understand it. So its easier to carry on in the same vein as normal and stick your head in the sand so you can pretend you dont see the changes going on around you.
    Three words spring to mind:

    Evolve or Die.
    The revolution is here. Deal with it.
  • LOL,sorry to disapoint, but I'm saving the 'fear nettle' for a special occasion ;O) - but thanks for the nudge.

    Control is a challenging one, because to reliquish control takes courage and faith in the ability of the organisation, and the individuals that drive it, to adapt and also to understand how to engage with the individuals that are providing valuable 'feedback' - good or bad...

    ... and if an organisation relinquishes control, does it mean that they're out of control? No... of course not... It just means that they're approachable!

    The point to remember is though that all feedback is good - because the people giving it feel strongly/passionately enough about it to want to discuss it with 'the brand' directly... The next step is of course, how does the brand takle action on what 'feedback' has been provided?

    It's necessary for people engaging with a brand to see action; and if alll they see is a lack of action they won't be engaging for very much longer...

    You're 3 words 'evolve or die' are straight and to the point, but maybe an alternative could be ... 'collaborate to innovate' ... ? (that's a chapter from my book by the way... 'scuse the blatent plug)

    Thanks for posting Robbie
  • Hi Robert. Big up to you! Those lyrics just about say it all - as guiding principles for both employee and employer alike! Screams out 'authenticity' ...

    Thanks for sharing it :)
  • Lee... Loved this post.. Immediately came to mind:

    "It's in the way that you use it
    It comes and it goes
    It's in the way that you use it
    Boy don't you know

    And if you lie you will lose it,
    Feelings will show
    So don't you ever abuse it,
    Don't let it go..."
    E. Clapton
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