Walking the Social Media Dog II

In part one of this post, I discussed how entering the social media space is not unlike buying a puppy — it requires dedication, maintenance and committment. My father is the founder of Ancient Kennels, the only breeder in Canada of the Cesky Fousek (pronounced Ches-kee Pho-sek), a Czech pointer. I’ve always been around dogs and so it seemed natural that I keep one of the pups as my own (his name is Ariss– short for Aristotle– and you can seem him here). I’ve worked dilligently with Ariss almost every day for a month, teaching him basic commands (sit, stay), socializing him and getting him comfortable with running the field. His mother is a Czech champion of a bloodline of champions. Her half brother– also one of our dogs–is arguably the most perfect dog I’ve ever known (and one of the most decorated dogs in Czech history). So it stands to be argued that Ariss, with the blood of champions coursing through his veins, will achieve greatness, too. I’m insprired by his spirit, his willingness to please and his fearlessness. In this dog I see another likeness to the social media space– potential.

It’s the nature versus nurture debate, though. And all the perfect pedigrees in the world wouldn’t make up for sloppy training and neglect on my part.

And it’s the same in this space. How much effort do you put in to your Twitter, LinkedIn and/or blog? Is your feed burner full of blogs that you consistenly read and comment on, or is your name but a whisper in your social media circle? Is your circle more like a broken chain?

The biggest concern I hear from clients who want to enter the space is the amount of dedication SM requires. I warn them– this is not a transplant, but a seed that needs nurturing. Still, getting involved in social media doesn’t need to be daunting.

Take a look at Brian Solis’ Conversatio Prism– of the hundreds of tools, which ones appeal to you? Do you love to travel the world? Maybe Flickr, a photo sharing site, is for you. Are you looking for a central, universally accessible hub to store your favourite links? Try Del.ici.ous. Social media has ultra-segmented communities of people with like interests; you only need to be a part of the ones that interest you!

Guide and nurture your online presence and watch it mature into something wonderful.

~ by Brandon Carlos on November 5, 2008.