Everything I needed to know (about social media strategy) I learned in kindergarten
Posted August 4th, 2009 / By Lisa Kribs in Brand Builders, Branding, Brands, Buzz, External, Movers + Shakers, Resources, Social Media, Strategy, Technology, Trends
Brands like Starbucks, Sun, Kodak and Ford have hired social media gurus and spent thousands, if not millions, to develop their social media platforms. Everyday you hear about brands defining best practices, rules and policies to keep themselves and their employees in line.
Take a look at social media from the perspective of a 5-year-old, you might find that you’ve already got most of the tools you need to define your brand’s strategy.
Walk Don’t Run
Down the hall, in the cafeteria and by the pool–walk don’t run.
Assess and review the big picture of your social media initiatives. Before jumping in, develop strategy up front. It saves a lot of headaches down the road. Define your goals, identify the tools you’ll use, establish a basis for measurement and set guidelines for listening and engaging. You want to answer these types of questions first and foremost.
Think Before You Act
“If you don’t have anything nice to say…”
Avoid being reactive. There isn’t room to jump to conclusions and assumptions, this is a transparent playing field. Proactively approach any issue – whether its positive or negative.
Don’t Eat the Paste
Don’t eat this and that, keep your finger away from electrical sockets and stop touching Jimmy.
There’s always going to that one guy who won’t like anything your company does. Look at it as a challenge and if you can’t be friends, try to figure out their angle. What is making this person/group of people hostile? What can you do to influence their opinion?
M.Y.O.B.
My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Klenk felt she had to explain this one to me on a weekly basis (“MYOB Lisa, MYOB…”).
Never play dirty. This, of course, can be awfully tempting. But when it comes to social media, don’t trash talk. Taking shots at your competitors will only bite back at you. What’s that? You’ve got an evangelist talking smack about the other guys while singing your praise? Well then, that’s their prerogative isn’t it?
Sharing is Caring
This one is almost as good as the golden rule. Almost.
Folks, let’s be good listeners. Talk to and engage with your customers. Show them you care through the thick and the thin. May the lines of communication be forever open. This is the best market research you never paid for. You may find it a harsh reality but seriously, get to know your customers, they are ultimately paying your bills.
Lisa Kribs is a digital brand strategist + music enthusiast by day + DJ by night. Lisa’s been playing “Stairway to Heaven” since 5th grade. She is also Co-Editor of Fuel Your Branding. Connect with Lisa on Twitter.
Grab the Feed
Great post. I was working on one quite similar to this, but you beat me to the punch. And since this is so well written, I’ll now gladly think of another topic.
I would like to add that in school, we learn to fit in socially. The different kids only get picked on. However, in social media, the different kids get all the attention. Finally, it’s not fitting in that will help you succeed, but standing out and being yourself.
The picture is priceless. Nice post.
It really does work. I used the ‘first day at school’ scenario when explaining social media and branding online on the Heavy Chef blog. It really is as simple as that. Social media as well as branding online is getting people to know who you are and what you’re about – isn’t that what your first day at school is like? I thought so :)
It doesn’t get much more straightforward than that! And you’re are right of course this approach really does work. Social Media is really about being social, its not about spamming its about starting and contributing to worthwhile conversations with individuals you have some common ground with, or would like to get to know more about. At least that’s what I believe.
James, glad to hear we are on the same page. Great point about kids that are different.
Being different gets attention immediately then identifies + penetrates those with that similar niche/interest/belief/understanding – or the opposite!
Thx for the photo comment Andy. We’ve all been up there at one point, right? :)
Yolandi, yes if not broken down SM can be intimidating for those unfamiliar. Another thought to explore is the first day of school: we establish who we are – similar to the online sphere and if your “true colors” do not come out initially they will eventually.
Roberto – right on! SM is more than just a new tool – it’s an extension of community. So listen up, and get talking!
And don’t make certain mistakes that would seem like no brainers to kids: http://racetalkblog.com/2009/08/12/5-social-media-lessons-what-not-to-do/
Great post, Lisa! As always:)
be sure to check out the link posted by Ben. Well funny