Friday, July 13, 2012

Superstition, Social Media, and You.


Are you superstitious? What are the chances that you’ll find a ladder in your path that you’ll need to walk around or have a black cat appear in front of you? Pretty low, right? It’s more likely (especially if you’re in Southern California) that you’ll have to swerve to avoid a fallen ladder on the freeway instead.  

And the cat next door has dark brown fur and is friendly.

But two things have already happened. I arrived here at my desk to find my computer had decided to reboot. So I lost what I wrote for this particular post; my own fault, right? And there was a big black spider in my kitchen sink. Hey, if that’s the only “things” to happen to me on Friday the 13th I’m doing okay.

You may remember this tune about superstition; a #1 hit from the early 70’s:

Stevie Wonder sings “Superstition ain’t the way…” and also reminds us “when you believe in things that you don’t understand, then you suffer.” Hmmm. So, what about social media? 

Do you believe that social media is going to help your business but you don’t fully understand what it’s about? A few key points regarding social media in general:

  • It’s not a sales tool. 
  • Social media WILL help your business. And it’s a LOT of hard work if you’re doing it yourself. 
  • All your efforts are not likely to produce results if a well-designed strategy isn't in place.
  • It takes a long time to build awareness for your brand through social media. Patience and persistence is key. This is not a “try it 14 days” commitment here. 
  • It compliments and works in conjunction with traditional promotional methods, provided everything has the same messaging, look and feel. 
  • It requires “being there”. It’s not “set it and forget it”; if a fan or follower asks a question, they’re looking for an answer from you. Now.


While you’re getting to know social media better and trying different things with it, a black cat may cross your path. So be it. Toss that furry friend a fish and keep moving forward. You may feel like you've broken that mirror. Pick up the pieces and continue. Oh and that ladder? You might walk under it, but it didn't collapse, did it?


No seven years of bad luck here! May your social media efforts be as positive as a lucky rabbit’s foot and may you find that four leaf clover in the field of social engagement.  

Stop by... and say hello! There's the websiteFacebookTwitter, and Google+ ...I'll say Hi back. 

6 comments:

Tim Armstrong said...

Great points to consider, especially for smaller businesses!

Anonymous said...

We do our own social media but, not as well as you. Oh, and we have a ladder and a black cat.

Gerry Wendel said...

Thanks for the compliment! Stay away from the ladder and don't let the black cat snooze on your keyboard!

Gerry Wendel said...

Yes indeed. I'm not writing these blogs for McDonalds, Coca-cola, or Ford. Trying to help people get started and if they can't do it on their own, maybe they'll call.

Shannon Grissom said...

Love your positive social media blessing :O)

Gerry Wendel said...

Thanks!