I think it is fairly obvious that I love social media. I think it is one of the great equalizers. We are all equal, whether we are friends or followers, no-one is better than anyone. We are all free to share information and have a worthwhile exchange of ideas, at any time of the day or night. There is always someone there to offer advice, opinions, or to act as a sounding board.
Really, social media is amazing. We are free to follow anyone on Twitter that interests us, from celebrities to me, following is free. And, unless you are really spamming someone or being vulgar, you won’t get un-followed.
But what is even better about social media? The way we have access to people we never had access to before. One of the first books I read was David Meerman Scott’s The New Rules of Marketing and PR, and after reading the book, I posted a review (although it is no longer on-line), and Tweeted it out using his Twitter handle (@dmscott). Well, wasn’t I surprised when I received a response, thanking me for reading and reviewing his book.
Really? David Meerman Scott just thanked me? Personally? It was amazing. I had the ear of a published author. A new idol of mine actually spoke to me. I felt like a little kid, meeting Batman (I will actually get to meet Mr. Scott at the Social Media Action Camp on February 16, 2012).
Social media, and Twitter in particular, gives us unfettered access to our heroes, our idols, like never before. It is amazing how I may not be able to get Mr. Scott on the telephone, or get an e-mail answered, but a tweet? No problem. That mere fact makes me feel a little more important. After all, Mr. Scott spoke with me.
And this was 2 years ago. Fast forward to today, and the feeling is still the same. On January 4th, I published a blog, Take the BS Out of Social Media – A Review of No Bullsh*t Social Media, and tweeted it out. No mention of any author at all. Well, a friend of mine tweeted it directly to one of the authors, Jason Falls (@JasonFalls), who read the review, commented on it, then tweeted it out with a thank you, and cc’d his co-author, Erik Deckers (@edeckers). And, guess what? Exactly! Erik also commented on the blog. And re-tweeted!
It still amazes me that celebrities, authors and scholars are so readily available to us on Twitter. I can’t call them, e-mail them, or visit, but I can tweet them, and get a response.
Social media is amazing! It has turned our idols into people.
And if our idols can act like you and I, why can’t we, as business owners, engage our clients on a consistent basis and in an authentic manner?
How are you using Twitter to engage your idols and customers?
Author:
Craig E. Yaris is the owner of EsquireTech Solutions, which helps small business get found on the social web, whether through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, he can both teach you the effective use of any social network or act as your social media manager, enabling you to reach your clients where they are and when they want to hear from you. He can teach your organization the social media best practices that can help you use the tools of today to cost-effectively increase your bottom line. EsquireTech Solutions brings the social web to your business. Visit EsquireTech Solutions or call 516-495-9107.
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[…] idol. He is one of the idols I was talking about (although not mentioned by name) in my article, Our Idols are Only People. I have read just about everything he has written, and am a long-time subscriber to his blog, and […]
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[…] idol. He is one of the idols I was talking about (although not mentioned by name) in my article, Our Idols are Only People. I have read just about everything he has written, and am a long-time subscriber to his blog, and […]
Who wrote this? Joy or Craig. Her name is at the top and his bio is at the bottom. Either way it is a terrific article. I say bravo to the person who connects with their idols on twitter. I might just give it a try sometime.
I wrote it, Alison. Just sent Joy an e-mail.
Big whoopsie!
This is not new, especially you live on Internet day and night. You never know who could follow you and have a conversation with you.
You are absolutely right.
That’s what I love about the internet, and social media.
The article shows how a top-down oligarchic approach can be lived in a bottom-up democratic approach! Yes, in a certain sense, we’re all equal and this is certainly enforced thanks to social networks like twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, G+, etc.
Thanks for the comment!
I agree.
Be real, offer value … That’s all there is to it.
You are right, but I think it’s more of the leveling of the playing field that makes these tools great.
Well said…it is a wonderful thing to interact with others where income,color,race and importance don’t matter,although it does make One feel great when someone a little higher on the ladder recognizes you for your input.Twitter really does open a door to a new and co-operative world…You know that on Twitter, there is always somebody that’s going to know your name !
Exactly. Perfect case in point is the interaction, below, with author Jason Falls (who, I must admit, is an idol of mine). Although I believe social media levels the playing field, it is still exciting when a person you consider an idol takes notice. It’s just more likely today.
Nice post and point, Craig. I think I would say, rather, that instead of social media making our idols people, it just gives people who might be considered idols the opportunity to prove they are, in fact, just people. While I certainly appreciate the compliments, I’m just a dumb guy with a blog. Well, I guess now I’m a dumb guy with a blog and a book, but still … What social media does is connect folks who might not have otherwise been. Glad we could make a connection or two. And thanks again for the book review!
First, thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. Although our idols are now more reachable than ever, they are still, somewhat, idols. And when one comments on something of mine, it makes me feel great. So, thank you.
Second, I agree with you, that it gives our “idols” an opportunity to prove they are people. I didn’t look at it from the “idols” side. And, for that, I am very thankful.
It is truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to interact with one of my “idols”.
Thank you!
Craig
Craig — We are really lucky to be living in an environment where it is so easy to communicate. Thanks for spreading the word. David
Thank you for the comment. I am honored that you have read the blog. And I agree, this is what makes social media incredible. Looking forward to meeting you on February 16th!
Craig
Craig — We are really lucky to be living in an environment where it is so easy to communicate. Thanks for spreading the word. David
Thank you for the comment. I am honored that you have read the blog. And I agree, this is what makes social media incredible. Looking forward to meeting you on February 16th!
Craig