Aug
31
Social Media Has Been Banned
Filed Under Marketing | Author: Ryan Chamberlin | Leave a Comment
Of recent, Broadcast networks, sporting leagues, and governments share a common concern, similar view and reaction toward social media. Many organizations are now regulating, and in some cases completely banning the use of social media by their employees.
ESPN, the NFL, the PGA, and even the country of China have all participated in banning the use of social media. Reasons range from liability issues, the dissemination of misinformation, security concerns, and in some cases a concern for “slander”.
It really comes down to two issues…
1. A lack of trust in a level playing field. Social media is becoming the great equalizer, whereby individuals within an organization can build an audience-reach equal to that of the organization itself. And with individual ability to reach out further, and in many cases faster than the organization, it’s left these governing bodies wondering whether they can trust the conversations taking place which determine their future. Many social media guru’s suggest we let the conversations happen, let the chips fall where they may.
2. A shift of power and wealth. From a small segment of society to one now of being distributed equally to an entire global population. History shows this redistribution begins with access to information (e.g. education). This concept is nothing new. Has social media become the new Socialism? For now let’s save that discussion for a future post.
Throughout most of the last century, success for most organizations and brands was attained by their ability to use resources, capacity, and proprietary information to their advantage. The challenge of retaining proprietary information, let alone talent and unique capabilities, in a ‘social media’ world has changed the rules forever. Social Media has become a catalyst for connecting a new generation in ways that are daunting for organizations everywhere.
Aug
23
The Truth About Twitter
Filed Under Marketing | Author: Gerald Smith | 2 Comments
A recent story from the BBC caught my attention. It is about a research study complete by Pear Analytics on Twitter content.
You can read the article yourself, but here are the highlights of findings in what makes up Twitter content these days.
Content breakdown…
- 40.5% was classified as BABBLE, as in “meaningless”
- 37.5% was classified as CONVERSATIONAL, as in “I just ate a candy bar and now I am walking to my car”
- 8.7% was classified as “PASS ALONG VALUE, as in “marketing”
- 5.85% was classified as SELF PROMOTION, as in “I am playing guitar this evening at the xyz coffee house”
- 3.75% was classified as SPAM, as in “why”
Aug
12
A Social Media-Free Zone
Filed Under Marketing | Author: Gerald Smith | Leave a Comment
At some point soon the social media hype is going to swing the other direction. As social media becomes part of a lifestyle and no longer just a trend, maybe some of us will begin shedding friends on Facebook. Maybe the ‘new‘ trend will be having as few of friends as possible.
What I am suggesting might seem absurd, but I am only trying to begin the conversation. There appears to be a generation lost in the middle with fewer close friends than ever before. This results in less effective influence of brands, not more. Remember, no longer is it about reaching the influencers, but rather influencing the easily influenced.
NO SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOU!
It is difficult to inform brand owners that their ideas for social media will do nothing but create busy-work. Social Media for the sake of ‘doing it’ is a mistake. Not all brands should practice social media in the same way. For most Brands, social media is nothing more than a new word for Public Relations. There is no prefixed formula for success. Determining the objectives is challenging enough.