Twitter, I don't need that!

How many times have you heard that? I know I have heard it quite a bit since I started actively explaining the principles and ideas I have about how to use Social Media to promote yourself as a brand.

Even before I started actively promoting personal Social Media branding. Back in the days when I was just telling friends what they should do if they wanted to get their art, thoughts and ideas out to the world in an effective way, these questions were the first thing I heard.

Now I am not suggesting that you should use every application out there for Social Media. Quite the contrary actually. I am suggesting that you should change the way you think about what you use, don't use, and why they fit into those categories. It's vital to your success to change the way you think about change and new applications if you plan to succeed in the Social Media arena.

The first thing I think about when something new comes out is, "How can this work for me?" and "What does it do that none of the other applications I use don't, and is it good or bad for the way I communicate to my following?". This line of thinking is paramount to success. I can't count the number of times that I have explained to a client or friend the way a subtle change in thinking and use of an application will make it more valuable than the first tertiary evaluation most people give Social Media applications.

It is pretty cool to see the idea "pop" in their eyes as they realize that looking at the uses any particular application they were having trouble seeing a use for change in their eyes.

So, how do we change the way we think about a new application or the old applications that we may have dismissed previously? Simple, take a new look at them with the mind set of "How can this work for me?". This means taking a look at all of the features a particular application has and examining them against the goals we have for our Social Media branding plan. See how they might fit if you use them in a manner not intended by the designer. The great thing about Social Media is that it is truly dynamic. It allows you to do whatever you want, however you want to do it. Granted the applications all have limitations, but these limitations can be twisted to a degree to meet your needs if you are clever enough.

Let me give you an example. Silran666 and I were talking back in August 2009 about how he could get his artwork and message out to more people. I told him he needed to start using Twitter and change the way he was using applications like Facebook. He looked at me like I had grown a second head and said "I don't need that, it's just for sending inane sentences to people.". That's when I explained everything I have explained above to him. About how important it is to think "outside the box" and twist and turn every application you come across to find out if it has a hidden application in your Social Media branding campaign. When I started to show him other artists and writers that had used Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, etc. to their advantage he quickly changed his opinion and gave it a try. Today, Silran666 has almost 300 followers, is listed on 20 lists, is mentioned by famous tweeters and is getting his message out to thousands of people that he wouldn't have even dreamed of reaching had he just said "Twitter, I don't need that!" and kept struggling to reach people.

The most important thing to remember is to always examine the Social Media applications that you come across from every angle you can imagine. Do your research and see if there is a way that you can manipulate that application to meet your Social Media Branding campaign. If there isn't a solution, abandon the application. However, if you find a use, take advantage of it. Social Media applications, used in a manner that supports your plans and goals are the only way you are going to get Social Media Marketing to work for your brand.

As always, comment even if you disagree with what I have to say.

More to come...