I have been reading this fascinating book on social media entitled The Social Media Mind: Ho social media is changing business, politics, and science and helps create a new world order.
It was written in 2012 when there was still hope the Arab Spring would bring positive change. It looked five years into the future, which is almost today and how social media would be a part of our lives.
Since I’ve moved back to the Midwest, I’ve noticed some common themes. When I’ve talked to pastors and church members, they see a need to effectively use social media. True, print is still the dominant theme. Yet, the also see more and more people consuming social media. They see the Millennials almost exclusively on their phone and not bothering to pick up a church bulletin.
Last week, I was surprised to find the local coffee spot was closed at 6:00 PM. It is supposed to be open until 9:00 PM. There was no sign, just a dark storefront. So I sent the following tweet:
When your @Kroger @Starbucks is closed at 6 PM. #mourning #notpossible #smalltownproblems
— Kevin Spear (@KevinHSpear) November 1, 2016
The reason I sent it wasn’t because I was upset. It was partly because this wasn’t the first time this Starbucks storefront had been closed. Once it was in the middle of the afternoon for a water problem. Also, it was partly because I was curious how these two companies I like and value would respond. How did they respond? Cue the crickets, please. That’s right, I got no response. No apology. No acknowledgment. Life went on. My wife and I went back to the church, I found a Keurig pod and we enjoyed a little caffeine on a
And how did they respond? Cue the crickets, please. That’s right, I got no response. No apology. No acknowledgment. Life went on. My wife and I went back to the church, I found a Keurig pod and we enjoyed a little caffeine on a fine fall evening.
You see it each time you log into Facebook. Friends post their vacation photos. Parents brag on their kids. Grandparents express admiration about their grandkid’s accomplishments. It looks like everyone else is having a wonderful life while you’re stuck at home scooping out the litter box and trying to keep your toddler from tossing your iPhone in the potty.
You don’t think about it, but you do the same as everyone else. You post the best of your experiences and glow about the love you have for your teen. You don’t mention the fight the two of you have the other night because he refused to take his coat to school. Nor do you mention his atrocious calculus grade (at least you shouldn’t).
An Inc. Magazine video struck a chord with me. It is a video interview with Shabnam Mogharabi of Soul Pancake.
Why Social Media Is Not a One-Way Street for Brands – Inc.
Time and time again, I have seen companies that believe they have something important to say and focus on getting their message out there. It is one-way communication. It is a broadcast approach. It is what advertising has traditionally been.