When you ask someone if they are a social media user, they often look at you with a blank stare.
So you break it down for them, and ask “Do you have a profile on Facebook or LinkedIn? Do you write a blog? Do you frequently IM or send text messages? Do you use Skype, Basecamp, or delicious? How about uploading photos from your cell phone to the Web?”
They are surprised to know that saying yes to any of the above, would make them a social media user. And that term applies to just about everyone who uses a phone or computer.
But there’s a deeper meaning to social media than just visiting sites or using devices. What it really means is participation. And participation is a very important idea because it’s related to collaboration. Collaboration produces a kind of co-ownership, a collective contribution. A shared stake or responsibility, an ongoing relationship. When we participate, we co-create.
In other words, your customers help create your product. And when power shifts to the consumer, that’s serious business.
Making sure your company and brand uses social media to monitor and contribute to the online conversation is what we do best at IgniteHQ.com
