What’s you story?

I don’t think anyone has missed the hype around social media. But what is it?

For me social media is simply a way of meeting people. Technology is enabling something that man has always been doing: interacting with other human beings. Man is a social creature and we love to share our stories. It makes us feel we belong and are part of something.

Back in our beginning we shared our stories around the campfire. Today with the help of technology the campfire has moved online and I can share my story with the whole world.

So social media is interaction. Not just communication ( broadcasting a message), but interaction. Meaning I take part in other peoples stories and they in mine – just because we find each other interesting.

For a company this can be difficult to get used to. Not broadcasting but interacting. Not just sending messages but also listening to what the customers are saying, making them take part in how the product or service develops.

Many companies become scared. But see it as an opportunity. Discussions around your brand is happening anyway. By taking part in that discussion you can discover positive and less positive mentions about your product/service quicker and you don’t have to be caught with your pants down when the shit hits the fan.

Be a little brave. Engage in the conversation. What is your story? I’d be interested in hearing it. You can follow mine on www.twitter.com/mariaatomaca.