February 2, 2014

By: 
Rachel Strella

If You Want to Understand Social Media, Just Drop the ‘Media’

Jim T. RyanThe following is a blog by Jim T. Ryan, a journalist, blogger and friend. He just joined the #Strella team last week as a freelancer and business development specialist. 

 

Don't sweat, don't sweat, don't sweat, I told myself.

It was my first meeting as a social media professional.  I haven’t been that nervous since I was a cub reporter 13 years ago interviewing a gubernatorial candidate.

Eventually I relaxed, anticipating the usual small talk that precedes any meeting, even one that has the potential to be a lasting business partnership.

And then the public relations executives entered the room. Brief introductions, straight to the conference table and right down to business.

Small talk never came, and instead, they dove straight into the interrogation of the business - what is it #Strella does and whether or not we could help their clients.

I listened, realizing I was receiving trial by fire. Soon, I found questions for the executives coming to mind, suggestions ready to leap from my tongue. Maybe there really wasn't reason to be nervous after all. This wasn't so much different from interviewing politicians.

Social media has differences from traditional media, particularly in terms of social's social mediadecentralized structure, rapid evolution and no need for formal credentials. As someone who worked in newspapers, this is a good read about the differences between social and traditional media.

Our interview with the public relations firm revealed more than simple differences.

They kept asking if we did search engine optimization (SEO). While SEO is a benefit of a sound social strategy, we don’t do straight SEO. This divide dominated the meeting, and is a good illustration of how difficult it is to explain social media’s role within the larger online world.

People sometimes think that social media can be boiled down to a “one-size-fits-all” strategy, but I know that’s never been Rachel’s approach.

For her, it's about communication. When you go to a networking event or a cocktail party, you're developing relationships. Having a glass of wine or sharing a dinner table with the president of another company doesn't mean tomorrow they'll buy something from you. But now you have their card, and you know what they did last weekend, and that they like fly-fishing.

You developed rapport with that person. They'll remember you, your love for NASCAR, or your fanaticism for the Yankees. And if they feel they can relate to you, they're more likely to do business with your company.

That's social media. It's the digital version of the cocktail party on a constant, less alcohol-infused basis. The key is not to stand in the corner and wonder why no one is buying your product or service, but to get out there and talk to people.

That's why golf is so popular with business people. It’s a social game and one where you learn more about a person's character, according to this article in The Economist.

That's what was missing from our meeting: social interaction. Even if it was a productive conversation, it still felt like an FBI interrogation.

If a social media professional is going to help you and your business, then show them who you are, not just what you sell. People do business with those they like or respect because of their expertise. Do they trust you?

But no one will know if you're likeable, knowledgeable or trustworthy, if you don't share yourself.

Subscribe To Our Blog
Subscribe To Our Blog
Categories

2 comments on “If You Want to Understand Social Media, Just Drop the ‘Media’”

  1. Congrats on working with a great company, Jim.

    I find straight SEO to be a lot like the shady used car sales industry. So-called experts can fool the unawares.

    Google's Panda adjustments really penalize these shortcut (black hat) tactics, and it's about time!

    For real brand building to happen, trust and relationships have to be forged. It takes a lot more people-power and a hefty commitment of time and energy, but after the hard work comes long tail success.

    Best of luck!
    -Lisa

    1. Lisa, thanks. The #Strella team does a great job and I'm happy to help a friend with her business. Yes, social media really is like the online version of other social events: the people you see at those all the time are the ones you want to go over and have a conversation with. I'm not an expert in SEO tactics, but it appears obvious to me its better to have an honest conversation with your potential audience than to just be a semi-anonymous "billboard" of sorts. Nothing wrong with paid advertisements, but that's not the core of a strong social media strategy. Good luck in your own endeavors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

We offer full-service social media management including: content development, posting to designated social media channels, dedicated advertising campaigns, social media audience building, monitoring and engagement on social media sites, and monthly progress reports.

Commitment to Excellence
Communication
Service
Relationships

Blogging
Business Advice
Entrepreneurship
Social Media Strategy
Social for Business
Social Media Manager
Twitter
Facebook
Marketing Strategy
LinkedIn
Banks/Credit Unions
Health/Wellness
Compliance/Legal
Construction
Real Estate
Coaches/Consultants
Home Improvement
Broadcasting/Media
Transportation
IoT/Tech

Strella Social Media
1412 N. 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102

Social media is all about relationships. Join our community and keep the conversation going! We love to get to know people on a deeper level! Connect with us on the medium of your choice and tell us what you love about social media.