This past week and a half I've been bouncing from the sparkling beaches of the Hamptons, to the fabulous Las Vegas (And a few spots in between), I exchanged social media ideas over cocktails, at departure gates, in taxicabs, restroom waiting lines, and a few nightclubs. During client work, and meeting with friends, and strangers I was able to compile a view from 30,000 feet of how the general pop' really feels about social media, and their most common questions and concerns. Here are my findings:
Most People are Afraid of Social Media - "BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS WATCHING ME!" Even after I explained how Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr, and other platforms are a great way to connect with people all around the world the average person is afraid of Big Brother. I should be more selective when talking to Airport Employees.
Grandmas Love Facebook- " Me and all of my girlfriends in St. Petersburg have a Facebook group where we chat with our friends in Tampa." I can't make this stuff up folks. Some of these ladies haven't left their retirement community in years.
Mom and Pop Stores Don't Need Social Media- "I sell Gyro's. You tell me how a Gyro is Social; you get free Gyros for a year." I told him how hard it was to find a good Gyro, not salty, but just right. I suggested how folks could discuss the difficulties of eating a Gyro and staying clean- it could be a great contest! He didn't think I was funny. Not sure if he will be open next year.
Some Still Don't Understand Twitter- "So, what- I just tell people what I'm doing?" Why people can't tell the difference I will never understand. I tried to explain the different ways to interact, the conversations, how to search them, how to communicate in general. It was like talking to a brick wall, so I moved onto my next subject.
Pinterest Is Just for Chicks- "Don't girls just post pictures of food and wedding dresses? I don't plan on getting married, or ever wearing a dress. I also microwave all my meals." I tried to tell him how I use Pinterest to pin pictures of my favorite cars, and of my motorcycle. Then he made some rude remark about me not being a real girl- that was a mistake.
The Facebook IPO: "If I make money, I'll be happy. If I don't make money, I'll be very unhappy." Clearly this response was well thought out. This guy is the next Warren Buffet, naturally.
Social Media Is Not Social: "Talking on a computer or cell phone is not social. Period. " I can't argue with someone who doesn't see the value Social Media has to offer. If you don't use a computer, I can't force you. I just know that my life has been enriched by the relationships I'm able to maintain and create through these platforms, and am thankful to have met so many wonderful people and have them in my life each day.
So what should we in Social Media world take away from these responses? Although some of the responses are comical, there is a bigger picture I am trying to paint rather than just a few laughs at someone's ignorance. We need to realize our job within social media marketing is not done; in fact it may never be done. Are these the people we need to connect with, or are they part of a dying breed? Nearly a billion users doesn't mean that we have a grasp on how social media is being used, or that people even understand what they are suppose to be doing with it. If this is what the world outside of our small SMAA, (Social Media Addicts Anonymous) support group has to say about the platforms and ideas surrounding social media I have serious concern for the future of our industry. Yikes.
'Cause we are living in a digital world and I'm @SoshalMediaGirl XB