Shel Israel’s post today had me really thinking, and I think he is absolutely right. Some of the conversations have changed, and they’ve somewhat gone back in time. I wondered out loud how this affects our trust of each other- being more “professional”, being free of tyypos and taboos, being bland. For me, it definitely erodes my trust. The masks that came off to start real conversations have started going back on, and the step towards establishing authenticity is no longer simply having a presence on social media. I don’t believe who you say you are. I believe in spontaneous conversations, my experience with you, and others’ experiences with you.
Whenever I talk to a business- especially small business- about using social media, I’m adamant about not using corporate language. If people want a boring news feed that’s all about you, they can visit your site. Being on social media means joining the conversation authentically. No timed tweets, NO auto DM’s, no having some random company or careless college student run your social media for you. Invest the time and be there.
When I think about why any person (or company) goes corporate in their language and approaches, I’d venture that it is mostly for the sake of liability and therefore fear. Now that people have something to lose again- credibility in the eyes of the world, a following, a job- I see many deciding that there is too much at stake to drop an occasional faux pas or go against the grain. The people that are still making a difference in social media are the ones who continue to be fearless.
Is the fear returning because people project the same fear in other parts of their lives onto social media, or has social media become an unsafe place? Is it that the early adopters are the fearless ones, and they have been joined by the fearful critics? How do we regenerate authenticity, or is authenticity moving to a new place?
My mask is still off.
I think it’s a matter of scale that is bringing the “fear” back.
In the past the social web wasn’t taken seriously as a business tool and little notice was taken of it by many. In that “no pressure” environment it was easier to be less formal, to take a few risks; if it didn’t work out there was little consequence.
We have a completely different scenario now where social media is big business and people are paying attention – not just to what you say but also to what you don’t. There are those also deliberately looking for slip-ups in order to use them to their advantage.
When it’s a smaller group of “friends” you can be less guarded but now that the conversation is in front of the whole world some are playing it safe.
Comment by Colin Walker — February 17, 2011 @ 5:25 pm |
You definitely have a point. That is partly what I meant by being joined by the fearful critics- the followers, the copycats, the media ready to pounce on mistakes. It has become a place for business too, but it doesn’t mean that business has to take over or set the standard. Don’t you think the challenge is even more incredible- to be so authentic or create a brand that can survive faux pas and slip ups? Don’t we want friends and followers that look past our liabilities?
Social media reflects real life. In real life, people of influence are always trying to imitate what authentic people are achieving except by taking shortcuts. They use their power of hype and influence to guide the “masses”- point out wrongdoings, elevate products, friends etc. While you can’t ignore the masses, is that who everyone is trying to please? Moreover, do you want customers, followers, or friends who are swayed by people like that?
I want clients and friends who think for themselves. My discernment in real life is the same discernment online; I sense put-ons, egos, false images, and syrupy charm on Twitter as much as I do at a local coffee shop. The problem is that the more we act like robots trying to look the part, the less valid our relationships are, business and otherwise.
Comment by danatwichell — February 17, 2011 @ 5:52 pm |