Wow - you mean - really!

What an epiphany! Social Media is about people connecting?? I'm confused. I thought Social Media was about selling my products to people and not just selling myself (ideas, comments, opinions etc.) Hum....well no wonder the first word is "Social". Thus meaning sites such as facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc. were developed to connect people on a social level. Wow isn't that what the whole meaning of "Social" is. You know social gatherings, social societies, socials, etc. It is where you and I gather to meet and exchange conversation.

Check out http://www.theoutsourcingcompany.com/blog/social-media-marketing/what-social-media-marketing-gurus-dont-want-you-to-know/ for a "Hit The Nail On The Head" article.

The whole definition of "social" has been lost by some peddlers of wares and services. This is why people are having such a hard time ( right now ) trying to determine if Social Media is successful in reaching customers. They forget it is about the first word in the description "SOCIAL" . Social sites were developed "for people to connect" and thereafter businesses decided they wanted to get in on the action, but then get frustrated when things don't happen as they do with traditional marketing/advertising.

Think of it this way - Social = wedding = lots of people = equals happiness = opportunity to pitch people right. BUT is this really the place to pitch your "things"? Now it might be if you are a caterer, dress maker, church, assembly hall, band etc.. Of course this means very discrete peddling.

Point is – there is a time and place to peddle your things and you have to be very very careful in understanding your boundaries. Understand the setting! Understand a business is an outsider. People do not want to be marketed to at a social event. But it can be done.

Now I could be way off base here, but an argument could be made that Social Media Marketing is a bit like subliminal messaging. You want to entice people to seek out your “things”, by utilizing sleight of hand, thoughtful suggestions, around the back door conversations, etc. Crazy thought I know.

Point is, Social Media is about people connecting on a social level. Businesses in their haste to sell more seem to forget this and want to find an immediate ROI. Thus the whole discussion of “is Social Media really working” comes into play. Yes, of course Social Media is really working – just look at the number of people who utilize social sites. It is the business side of Social Media that is struggling right now and eventually things will evolve to show a positive business ROI. Of course this means patients.