Social Media Rites of Passage
A friend recently called me to share their excitement that they were using Twitter regularly. While that may not seem terribly big news, it does mark a milestone in my friend's use of social media. During our conversation, I noted that she was following a pattern I've seen as people become comfortable with an online presence - something I like to call the Social Media Rites of Passage.
As with all Rites of Passage, it signifies steps in a process. In this case the process is gaining expertise and comfort in using online communication, social media, etc. Some specific milestones
can be identified and are a good way to gauge a person's ability to interact online. These milestones include:
Milestone 1 - Signing up This action is the starting point. Most people get this far and then wait to see what happens: Will people contact me? Will I get anything out of this? Is this a great time-waster? The simple action of signing up is important and should be commended.
Milestone 2 - Completing the profilesFilling in all the blanks on a social network profile is an exercise in trust. Many people - particularly of a certain pre-computer generation - are concerned about sharing personal information online. What is unfortunate about that concern is that it limits the opportunity a person will have once they do connect on a Social Network; particularly the opportunity for acquaintances and potential new connections to get to know you quickly. My advice is to complete it as far as you are willing to go and then revisit your profile in 2 months. By then you will likely see the value of adding more personal details. And by all means, add an image. The days of the faceless profile is gone - people can find out what you look like if they really want to. Don't make it more difficult than it needs to be.
Milestone 3 - First postBeginning with friends (likely on Facebook), this milestone is reached when an actual post occurs. This is a huge deal. And is a shared experience: everyone may not remember their first post's content but they sure remember how nervous they were when they pushed the Enter button.
Milestone 4 - ParticipationI like to think of this as the "getting you hooked" stage in that one post-read-post cycle leads to another, often with hilarious results because the protocol of social media interaction is not completely understood. Despite some stumbling, most people figure out how to navigate quickly and start to really look forward to the boost a good post can provide.
Milestone 5 - CommentingCommenting on someone else's post is a huge step - and the basis for the rest of your success. By reaching out and letting your thoughts be known, you are implementing the "social" in social media. Some people never get here. They don't feel comfortable commenting on other's posts. What they are missing is the opportunity to establish a connection with others that benefits both parties. Your thoughts may lead to a new understanding of an issue or they could lead to a good old fashioned argument. Whatever they lead to is a connection that may grow into a stronger relationship and that's what social media is all about.
Milestone 6 - Connecting
Connecting people who you wouldn't think to connect with is a wonderful byproduct of social media and signals a new milestone. In many social media platforms, a list is often generated that provides the first opportunity to see others you may know but are not on a first name basis with. By reaching out, you are adding to your network. Be a bit wary, however, of everyone who wants to be your friend out of the blue by checking out their profile. If there doesn't seem to be a fit, you can justifiably and politely ignore the request.
Milestone 7 - Spreading outMoving to another social network or platform is another step. I often see people move from the personality-oriented Facebook to the more business-oriented LinkedIn. However, the concept is that you are moving to a new platform. Often the rules are a bit different but the result is the same - online communication and connection.
Milestone 8 - Creating a HomeEventually, you realize you need a home for your thoughts. Social media is great, but the need to have a "basecamp" per se is real. You cannot rely upon social media to be the destination onto itself - you need a place that you control that provides a resource. You need a website.
Creating a home is the most advanced milestone, IMHO. You can now see that posting is a two way street but the need to have a place to start from and refer back to is paramount. With your website you can implement social media tools such as commenting elements and sharing links. You can also structure your site so you are found through a search engine. Your website home will be the foundation of your online world and will grow with your needs and skills.
Postscript: As you read through these milestones, remember that everyone proceeds through them at a different pace and some people skip through the passage rather quickly while others take their time. In the end, your experience will be unique. Just know that as you gauge where you are in the process you are one step closer to finding true value in social media.
1/11/10-
Paul
