My Problem With Social Marketing
Written April 27th, 2008 by Paul in General
For anyone building out a brand around their own name, personality or business, social networks have become a crucial aspect of online life. If you ain’t constantly putting yourself out there in front of your peers and clients, you’re missing out. That’s a fact.
But what if you just want to sit in front of your computer and work. What if being part of all these social networks does nothing for you and your business because of the way it’s structured. What if maintaining appearances at all those social networks is actually hurting your business and negatively impacting your bottom line?
Personally, I’m at a point in my life/business where I would much rather just skrink into the shadows and do some work.
I’ve been ‘out there’ a number of different times. Years ago as an SEO dude, I singlehandedly started the 3rd or 4th ever blog network online, the internet marketing and info marketing, business, ad copywriting, etc. But I’ve never really been one for having my neck out there on the ‘fame and recognition’ chopping block. Quite frankly, I’ve hated every minute of that aspect.
Nowadays, in order to maintain any sort of image or reputation, you need to have a following and presence on all the popular social networks, but that just serves to perpetuate the one part of online business I hate the most.
Anyway, I’m happier, much more productive and a helluva lot more efficient with my time when I don’t have to worry about being part of the ‘IN’ crowd.
When I retire in Aruba in the next couple years, I don’t want to have to hide my face so no-one recognizes me or want’s to pitch business deals, I want to cover my face to avoid a sunburn. The way it’s looking right now, I’ll be there a lot sooner if I spend extra time working instead of trying to keep my twitter account active.
Oh, and ‘Social Marketing’ is an oxymoron to the ‘nth degree.
April 27th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Nice post, Paul. I’m with you about 90%, I just don’t want to wind up in Aruba.
April 27th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I have to agree, Paul. Social networking is great for those who are trying to sell to other IMers. I use some social networking just for that - to socialize and keep away the loneliness that can come with working at home. I just want to be able to talk to others who know what the heck I’m talking about (unlike my sweet sister-in-law who says “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I’m happy for you” lol) I stopped my forum addictions about 6 months ago and, though I created accounts, I never used facebook or myspace. I’m just not the type. I’d like to be ‘known’ but not famous. I can’t handle the responsibility :P.
April 27th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
[...] read a blog post by Paul Short this morning that really struck a chord with me. It’s titled My Problem With Social Marketing. Ironically, I found the link to this post on Twitter. Paul calls “Social Marketing” an [...]