Comments on: 10 Social Media habits to be aware of

By: Nick Price

Nick Price — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:49:45 +0000

Point 5 on the second list is a very good one. Some people confuse the medium and the technology with what it is supposed to communicate.

By: keith Robinson

keith Robinson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Really like these and must admit I still struggle with what is good and bad protocol.
Got hammered for use of term “industry experts” in relation to last career cast and in hindsight did over hype it, but on the respective topics discussed the panel where “experts” Real tough.
Commented on a site last week that I hate the whole concept of “social network gurus” the reason is my anarchist nature and that is “this way of living and to me it is that is in it’s infancy and in a funny way should be liberator” no elitism.
BUT being an expert on a channel (recruitment) nothing wrong with that. We make our living that way, everyone has some expertise BUT in our somewhat competitive industry the “green eyed monster” gets the better of us.
Finally agree with Doms point, rate of change is frightening and I struggle to keep up.
Great contribution on the careers cast, cheers, Keith

By: Matt Alder

Matt Alder — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:28:48 +0000

@Alex I think you make a great point there

@Dom The being prepared to be wrong part reminds me of when we all first started working with the Internet. The pace of change has got quicker though so being wrong happens more regularly and more often!

@ Stuart and @Raymond I agree!

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:51:59 +0000

The point about pouring scorn on ‘experts’ is an interesting one. I do this a lot, yet get invited to speak at lots of events about the experiences of the charity I work for which might make me seem like I am one after all. I’m not.

I resist the word ‘expert’ or ‘consultant’ applied to myself, because I’m really most qualified to give case studies (that’s what I do) and talk sense about customer service online – at least, I think it’s sense. That doesn’t make me able to form a coherent strategy for anyone outside my organisation – that’s a different skill entirely. I can contribute to one, of course, but…

I think the reason for pouring scorn is not because we all secretly want to be the loudest and most successful expert. It’s because we recognise the difference between a genuine expert and someone who’s just very good at making themselves famous but can’t actually give any sound advice or ideas to anyone else. The so-called experts drown out the real community builders and digital marketers we’d like to hear from. We pour scorn because they are not the people you bring up in point five of the second list – and that’s really what we’d all like to be.

By: Raymond Penne

Raymond Penne — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:30:30 +0000

I like both lists and think that the most important point for everyone is the knowing you market and being able to apply the tools to that market. There is much noise on the power of the media and not much application that proves this in the harsh world of ROI to business owners. The truth in my opinion is that it is a state of mind and culture not a quick win, those who invest a little and keep it going will make the most from it.

By: Stuart Murray

Stuart Murray — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:17:06 +0000

Liked the post here Matt. I’ve been using Twitter for a while now and have to admit to having fallen foul of most of the first 5 habits.

Coming into the Twitter community initially I went through the usual look and listen period before trying to participate. It took me a while to come across authentic and effective users and to realise I’ve been getting lots of things wrong.

Many more mistakes lie ahead but I think I’m beginning to get the idea. I think its important to stop worrying about the fact there is no manual or set of instructions (and to not try and prescribe one to everyone else) and, like you say, learn to apply the tools as they fit to you.

By: dom sumners

dom sumners — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:11:09 +0000

nice list Matt – i have certainly been guilty of some examples from both sections!
I think the point about being comfortable in having a well thought out logical opinion that may prove to be 100% wrong is a good habit to get into. Closed minds dont work and think our natural state socially politically etc is to get a view and stick to it.

By: BLOGERCISE

BLOGERCISE — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:45:37 +0000

I find the common mistake is for people to concentrate too much on trying to use social media to market their site when their site doesn’t really have anything to offer.

There is little point getting a million page impressions if your site has no value and to relevance to the social traffic that comes over.

If a site is good it will naturally do well in “social media” sites, you won’t need to push it. Let the site, product, content etc speak for itself