If anyone’s looking for a "social media strategist," get in line (David Peck is worth getting in line for). Companies are always seeking out new ways to expand (they’ll tell you "deepen") their relationships with consumers–especially "cheap relationships" that don’t involve print advertising budgets.
Okay, that’s not quite fair, or accurate, actually, considering that many of the companies reaching out to bloggers, reaching out on Twitter and Facebook also advertise on billboards. Ideally, a company/ a person/ a brand/ a micro-brand won’t need to advertise, because if other people are talking about your brand, it’s no longer advertising; it’s publicity.
As an author, I’ve heard that most people who purchase books do so not because of an article they read, not because of an interview they saw on TV or some book website. Most people walk up to the information desk, squinting, trying to remember the name of that book, or the name of that author her friend/ her mother/ her favorite blogger mentioned. Word of mouth comes down to one word: share.
Share shit you like. Tell people about the books you like, the sites you read, the applications you use. And tell them about the selfless people who take the time to answer your emails, even when they have nothing to "gain" from it. Tell them about people like David Peck, just a decent, really good guy, who’s always willing to help, to explain, because he’s passionate about what he does for a living: "deepening" relationships. Be generous with your information and knowledge.
Here’s my challenge to you: Email, Twitter, Facebook, Video Blog, Blog, Text or (dare I say it) tell people about 5 of your favorite things today. To your friends, to strangers, to people who don’t even use the internet. Give them a list of at least 5. You’re a stickler for Top 10 lists? Go for it. Tell them about the people who move you, who improve your life in some way, who make you think, who inspire you, who make you change a little each time you find yourself thinking about them. Tell people about brands you like, about technologies you rely on, about the books that changed your life, about the music or art that changes your mood. It’ll make you feel good about you.
5 YEARS AGO: Variety Pack
