Dipping Toes in the Cold Waters of New Media
I was recently critical of a network’s event in Second Life. I also didn’t like how another brand approached Podcasting.
But, I want to make it very clear that I LOVE that these companies are trying out new marketing and social media in any form or another. Any company (especially one with a well established brand) should be applauded for dipping their toes in the water.
In both situations my reasoning for posting was my personal feelings on how things could have been done better. I hoped that it would spark an open conversation on how next time it might be improved or just other ideas to keep in mind.
Work in any field long enough and you learn that with any project of this scope there are multiple hands in the cookie jar and more often then not that cookie crumbles a bit and doesn’t come out perfectly. That’s the nature of the world we live in.
I want every company out there to consider and try out every aspect of social media. Give podcasting a whirl with some internal communications, set up a presence or sponsor an event in Second Life, create a video that you upload to YouTube and see what happens. Any and all of these are interesting and the only way you’ll know if it’s right for your company is to try it.
Growing up, my parents always had a rule (and I’ve passed it onto my kids) that we had to try anything put on our plate. If we didn’t like it we didn’t have to eat any more, but we HAD to try it. That’s how I hope business approach this new world.
Any comments I ever make are geared towards pushing the whole medium forward. I’m one guy with a head full of thoughts and a heart full of passion. And I love chatting further and am only an e-mail away.
Posted in
New Media, Rambles |
Comments(2)
I think feedback is helpful, as long as it’s constructive. And I think you were trying to be constructive in both of those posts.
Dipping your toe in the waters is a great — I agree — but I would also add that businesses should do so with a business strategy and some clear goals in mind.
If you’re going to establish a presence in Second Life, what are your objectives? Showing innovation (good)? Extending your brand (great)? Just trying for a quick PR hit (seems like there needs to be more to it).
Same is true for a blog, podcast, or YouTube video. It’s true that we seldom know exactly where our new-media ventures will head, but we should at least have a road map.
Hear, hear! Well said, CC.