Business Buzz - Making You Famous

Communication is at the heart of each our working world. Imagine no communication or interaction with customers, suppliers, bankers, employees, regulators, neighbors and the public at large. How would any business succeed? Strategic communication from one individual to the next has drastically altered the way we live and work. There are forms of unspoken communication such letting a photo spark a movement of communication, to a simple phrase that communicated a whole new meaning to your desired audience. Cultures, feelings, movements, phenomenon and actions begin with the simple way of opening our mouths or with the click of a lens.

We have all heard it, we are all part of it and we all take place in it—social media. This form of communication has washed over the world and whether or not we like it, it is how we operate person to person, business to business or business to consumer.

Some may argue that it has been a negative influence on how we choose to communicate and some argue it has made communication better than ever. There are flaws in the digital realm of communication, but there is also a subtle beauty to how we can now operate as an entire world united.

1. Speed. As soon as we hit send our thoughts, ideas and choices are thrown out for the world to see. The quickness of sending and receiving through social media or e-mail has improved the speed of getting things done. Business proposals, marketing campaigns, press releases, job offerings, are done within an instant and the impact is immediate. The back and forth of communication has truly gone from 0 to 100. It’s causing us to make decisions faster—sometimes too fast without the time to rationalize and think about the consequences. The speed of communication through social channels is a great thing and can improve the way we all do business.

2. Writing is getting quick and to the point. Because of the speed of social media, we are forced to write our thoughts shorter making it easier for people to read. Often no one has time to scroll through a five paragraph e-mail or the patience to read the full Instagram caption. These words are being converted to images of GIF’s or short videos that get the message across fast, leaving an impact without hesitation. Twitter’s shortage of character count is forcing our minds to condense our thoughts and use our most insightful judgment son a thought.

3. Inside perspective to places around the world. Through the eyes of social media, we are able to gain insight into faraway places that we may never have had the option of seeing. Cultures are easily shared and shaped with photos, opinions and videos shared on all social media. The option to connect with others across the globe is easier. For businesses, the research for marketing and consumer reports are made easier as they can get a closer look through social media at countries, cities, individuals and cultures.

4. Storytelling is now possible on multiple platforms. Storytelling is critical to businesses and organizations. Now, a story can be told in 140 characters, a video, a GIF or any digital creation. These stories can be shared all over the world and the use of the digital space is not a platform for others to share their powerful stories. Artists can share their story, bringing their creative minds to life to a larger audience and businesses can share their stories directly with an audience. Digital storytelling has the opportunity to change lives and become an asset for organizations.

5. The news is now a constant stream of stories on every platform. The news is brought to the world LIVE, not just on cable channels. The option to go live for any news organization is out there and now anyone can be a source of news. This can be dangerous, with so many people searching for answers and stories to tell, the credit can be lost. As a business, small or large, it’s crucial to find ways to be a beacon of credibility that individuals can look to for the right answers and honest stories. Share your news, but stay true to what you want for your brand.

Social media can be a wonderful tool to enhance our lives and our businesses. Remain honest, open and true for your audience and business. Social media should be another form of communication, not a cheap venue used to trick people into visiting your website or a substitute for real-life accomplishments.

Pilmer PR can help you narrow your social media platforms to help you create powerful, meaningful messages and use the platforms as a benefit to you and your audience. Visit PilmerPR.com for more information.