Why be Grumpy when you can be social?

Being something of an internet geek (according to my wife), the concept of social media isn’t particularly new to me however, could I actually gain something from using it more proactively? And if so, could that ‘something’ actually be financially as well as socially rewarding? 

Like many people now, I already use Facebook, I have been known to Tweet from time to time and, I also browse around YouTube for fun or specific information (see below). I use Facebook mainly as a social tool to keep in touch with family and friends although, I do have a company FB page. It only has four followers (at the time of writing) and they probably only clicked ‘like’ out of duty or sympathy! 🙂   

Because I understand the values and concepts of the new ‘connected’ world, the basic principles of linking between differing platforms doesn’t phase me. I know that used correctly, the internet can be advantageous and a shop window for you or your organisation. conversely, I’m also aware how unfriendly neighbours can use it as the proverbial garden fence to share their derogatory view points over. It’s all about making conscious decisions about the information you publish, once it’s out there you have little or no control over how it is used. 

If there is one thing that has always turned me off about anything (the internet included) it is; the ‘best thing since sliced bread‘ marketing and promotional hype.  The way in which people will tell you, “you simply must have the latest techno tripe after all, it really is the dog’s googlies”. 

Sorry, no matter how hard you try you won’t sell me anything I don’t want to buy and, the harder you actually try, the nearer your are to your destined failure. 

Present me with information and allow me to ask questions and you might be in luck. Although it wouldn’t be a good idea to hold your breath for too long whilst waiting to clinch the deal. Some sales & marketing people really need to get their head around the fact; there are actually people with sufficient intelligence to make up their own bloody minds… In my view it really is Emperor’s New Clothes territory and many of those involved in marketing should be called Hans Anderson! 

The next aspect of this computer and internet money earning quest for my business appears to be Viral Marketing. What’s that all about then? 

The six principles of Viral Marketing: Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, E-Commerce Consultant (Web Marketing Today, February 1, 2005) says… 

I admit it. The term “viral marketing” is offensive. Call yourself a Viral Marketer and people will take two steps back. I would. “Do they have a vaccine for that yet?” you wonder. 

And that’s from some ‘expert’ trying to ‘sell’ me the concept pfft… I asked in the title; why be grumpy when you can be social? So far it’s because some marketing twerp tells me I have to be and in any case, I like being grumpy. I’ve been told it suits me!

Time for a beer I think 🙂 

Related Articles

• Going Viral Is Goal As More Ads Target YouTube, Facebook (webguild.org)
• Social Media the Key to Viral Marketing (brighthub.com)
• B2B Blogging: Your “Social Media Boomerang” (searchengineland.com)
• Using Social Media For Marketing (brighthub.com)
• Failure to Yield To Social Media Brings Downward Spiral (charlesheflin.com)