Social Media R-E-S-P-E-C-T [Blog Challenge Week 2]

Maybe it’s cliche. Maybe it’s too obvious. I. Don’t. CARE. I’m using this song for The Media Barista Challenge and you can’t stop me!

When it comes down to it, nothing beats Aretha’s RESPECT. Last week we talked about the epitome of “Oops”, with Britney Spears, and I’m confident in claiming Aretha’s powerful voice commands just that – respect – and is the epitome of requesting a little consideration.

All I’m Ask’n

All anyone wants in the social sphere is a little respect. How can you ensure you’re showing it?

• Don’t spam: This means no unsolicited sales and marketing emails, no begging for ‘Likes’, retweets or +1’s and stop asking people to play Farmville with you!
  
• Share: As in, don’t plagiarize, cite your sources, SHARE (hit the button instead of changing a few words around and making it your own), tout other people’s work more than you solicit your own, or use the @ tag and show some love.
• Give thanks: In my humble opinion, this means for every share, tweet, RT, mention, comment, etc. No, I don’t care that you have 500,000 followers. Everyone who shares your message or mentions your name/brand deserves a .02 second shout out.
• Be original. Maybe it’s just me, but all of the irrelevant cat memes and world puzzles and inspirational quotes (that aren’t your own) are starting to feel like “you’re running out fool’n”, as Aretha says. Stop cheating me (and yourself) and find your own, amazing voice.
• Don’t be selfish: Heard of photo bombing? How about the social media cads who callously claim the comment thread in your tweet stream, blog or Facebook page as their own; trying to divert the conversation from it’s planned path a nasty habit. Comment bombers are no bueno and SO not respectful!

Sweeter Than Honey

I admire those peeps and brands out there going above and beyond, giving you that spark that says, “WOW!” Dave Kerpen likes to call it, “surprise and delight.” How are you “showing up” in the social sphere?

In a society where there is hardly any “customer service”, and where we’re sitting there EXPECTING to be let down, how can you/your brand reach out and touch someone? How do you “smile” through a screen?

It’s up to you to work on the ways you can do this with your would-be and actual clients. Maybe it’s a handwritten note, a quick Vine video saying thanks, or a free giveaway.

Find Out What It Means To Me

The ideas and items I’ve listed are things I consider social “norms” – but of course, they only offer MY point of view. My suggestion for finding out how your audience(s) define respect is simple … ASK!

Part of respecting social media is understanding and knowing that it’s SOCIAL.

Having conversations with your community is critical. If you don’t embrace this, you might find that one day they’re gone (just a little bit).

See you in the social sphere!

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Brooke B. Sellas

Brooke B. Sellas is an award-winning Customer Marketing Strategist and the CEO & Founder of B Squared Media. Her book, Conversations That Connect has been recognized nationally and is required reading for a Customer Experience class at NSU. Brooke's influence in digital marketing is not just about her accomplishments but also about her unwavering commitment to elevating the industry standard of digital customer experience and customer marketing.

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