Embracing Social Media
So, as you may have seen, I recently embraced the phenomenon that is social media and signed up for a Twitter account. I did so with a bit of trepidation and amidst significant mockery from several people in my life (you know who you are). But I will not be thwarted. I mean, where would we be if…oh, I don’t know…Benjamin Franklin had listened to all of the haters who told him it was ridiculous to fly that kite during a lightning storm? Where would we be if Lady Gaga didn’t let her Freak Flag fly? We’d be without electricity AND Lady Gaga’s new hit song“Hair”, that’s where we’d be!
But I digress.
Back to my Twitter hazing: My youngest sister – who shall remain nameless – treats me as though my online presence is the bane of her existence. I mean geez, since when did I enter the “embarassing old person trying to figure out social media” category? I’m only 24, for crying out loud! Ok, yes: It does not help that while she was chastising me about my new Twitter account via Skype I was actively perusing the “How to Tweet” section of Twitter’s Help Center.
Now, I don’t flatter myself to think that any of you out there really care about how I feel at this exact moment, what I had for lunch, or what I am planning to do tonight. I also realize that if you are reading this right now chances are very high that you are either 1) my boyfriend or 2) a member of my immediate family.
However, in the off chance that someone out there is actually interested in what I have to say about life, travel, MBA admissions, or my experiences as a student at Harvard Business School then please follow me on Twitter @MBAdventure!
Yes, I apologize for the mockery, but please allow me to clarify my position on Twitter.
Twitter is a highly useful tool for marketing, distribution of content, relevant updates on meaningful milestones, and so forth. However, the Twitterati has only recently begun to utilize the full commercial and intellectual potential of the platform with Apps like Flipboard and other more generic feeds.
If used in a productive, meaningful, and targeted manner–being fully aware of the potential benefits of the platform–Twitter is a HIGHLY evolved and useful tool to get your message, whatever it may be, heard, better understand, etc.
My qualms with Twitter arise from the overabundance of irresponsible Tweeters. I do not care what you had for lunch and/or where you are, unless you are using that message as a tool to advance your established goal.
Irresponsible Tweeting, the majority of Tweeting, is what I have a problem with. Targeted, informative, and practical Tweeting is a revelation in any media outlet today (which blogs are now one), and I am a huge proponent of its continued use and evolution.
Bottom line: Don’t Tweet what you had for lunch, and I’ll be happy!
I am also trying to learn about social media. Thank you for the encouragement!
Chuck