There’s a fine line between the verb “flaunt” and it’s more docile and giving half-sister: the verb “share.” Some of us need to revisit that little fact.
By us, I mean the early adopters, the bold bloggers, the talented twitterers, frantic friendfeeder’s and facebooker’s, courageous community managers, die-hard digg’ers, excellent evangelists and super-sized social media saints!
Forgive me if you’re none of the above, but you get my drift and I’m betting that at least one of the above descriptions fits you to a tee!
I’ve written a few posts lately where I seemed to go on and on about the lack of social media knowledge that exists among specific industries and the resistance that we all deem futile. In many cases, it isn’t resistance at all. It’s simply a lack of understanding, coupled with preconceived notions of unreasonable time commitments and technological prowess, neither of which are requirements to get in the game.
I attended one conference where we were all discussing Social Media 3.0 just 24 hours after giving a presentation to a large group that didn’t even understand Social Media 0.5. I’m convinced there
are plenty more where they came from and I fear that we could be leaving behind the very people who need us most.
That conference changed me. It made me think very hard about my purpose and the more I think through it, I see an amazing opportunity to teach. As I reach out to those in my various networks who are much savvier than I am, my main goal is to extrapolate every piece of knowledge and wisdom they have to offer to better myself and increase my personal knowledge. I know that we all do. That’s the power of vast networks.
I ask you to turn the tables for a minute and think of all of the people who want to extrapolate your knowledge on the most basic level. Can you give it to them, and in a way they will understand?
If you are a leader of the pack, consider stepping down a notch or two and getting back to basics. Share yourself and what you know. The key word is share. There will be time to flaunt later and that vast network of yours will be waiting for you to do just that.
Remember, if you give a man to fish, he’ll eat for a day. But if you teach a man to fish……
8 comments
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October 30, 2008 at 5:53 am
Ricardo Bueno
I started reaching out to some graduate and undergraduate student associations. We’re discussing how social media (blogging, vlogging, etc.) could improve the quality of their membership (strengthen it) and how they might reach out and attract more corporate sponsors (to come out to events and host recruitment nights, etc.).
So far, the quality of the membership has improved dramatically. Members feel connected, people are registering (paying their fees) and the all-around mood is a positive one! Let’s hope this continues moving forward….
October 30, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Leslie
Angela:
This is a great post! Thank you for saying out loud what I feel inside. I have been doing just as you suggest with my articles for Furniture World magazine. The last two in my series have been about social networking and are 2000 word pieces designed to educate. If you can use them in your own work, please go to http://www.furninfo.com and search in their marketing archives for them. All I ask is that you give me credit as being the source material as there was a lot of research involved in both.
Since you’re speaking to the WITHIT group in November, you might want to reference them or even use them as a handout!
I hope all else is well for you.
Leslie
October 30, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Elizabeth Turnbull
Thanks, Angela. I agree wholeheartedly — we win when we SHARE.
October 31, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Angela Connor
Ricardo: Awesome idea. That’s the kind of good news we need to share more. And if it’s actually encouraging people to pay their dues, then it’s really working.
Leslie: I’m glad to hear you are spreading the good word. I know first hand that your particular industry is still pretty reluctant. education is key.
Elizabeth: Do come back and let us know how you’re sharing.
January 3, 2009 at 12:48 pm
afhill
It’s easy to get caught up with your associates and operate within an echo chamber. But part of social media IS to be social and open, and it’s so important to remember that not everyone is familiar as we are.
I just got off the phone with a client who didn’t really understand the intricacies of RSS and why we’d want it, and it was great for me to take that step back and realize what I take for granted. And it was a good exercice for him as well (I hope), to learn more about the field.
February 24, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Choose the social media platforms that work for you « Online Community Strategist
[...] those who still aren’t convinced, or simply don’t know what they’re missing. Use your social media savvy to help others “get [...]
February 24, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Arvindh S
Hi! I am currently working on my dissertation in the field of new media and its adaptation, corporate usage and practicality. I found your article particularly…. well, rewarding! I felt that there was something missing and now, thanks to you, I’ve got it!
This does have serious implications for companies who want to pursue this as a channel vs. traditional media. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this.
Cheers!
February 25, 2009 at 12:16 am
Angela Connor
Arvindh S I certainly am glad I was able to help you find something you needed. If you’d like to talk offline, send me an email at Angeladconnor -at-yahoo dot com.