When Silence Is Golden
I noticed this brief post on Social Media’s SmartBlog. It makes a hugely important point about social media.
"It’s tempting to focus on social media as a pulpit for your own ideas. Who will you connect with? What will you say to them? How will you build those relationships into something tangible? But the fact is that you could draw a fantastic amount of value from your social networks without ever saying a word. Every connection you have is a portal to that person’s experiences and wisdom … Do you feel like you need to talk to get value out of social media? What has your network taught you today?"
Social media is just as much for listening as for talking … maybe even more so.
So, while you’re figuring out how to make social media "do things" for your organization, don’t forget to just listen.
What have you learned from supporters (or others!) communicating to your nonprofit — or about it — via social media? Anything you’ve been able to act upon?
Tom
One response to “When Silence Is Golden”
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I’ve found that twitter is really just a cocktail party where everyone is talking about their cause..all at once. Everyone is chatting away.I don’t see much listening going on though. Sure it’s the HOT thing right now, but really I doubt it’s effectiveness.
I’m not saying it hasn’t worked for anyone…what I’m saying is a matter of degrees. It’s not working like the buzz forcasts. Doesn’t mean I’m against social media, I’m just not overly taken with twitter. The only thing it is good for IS listening. Good luck being heard.