|
It's been a long, hot, dry, but really great summer at SocialSphere. Looking ahead to Hurricane Earl and Labor Day weekend, this afternoon a bunch of us were huddled around the speakerphone for a presentation with our oldest client, the NTRA. In the middle of making a point about blogging and managing the conversation, Jonathan channeled his inner-Boss, and without blinking, in a straight face, uttered -- "you know, you can't start a fire without a spark." Quiet pause. And the conversation continued.
 That's a classic 1985, Courtney Cox-era Springsteen reference of course -- which got us to thinking later in the day about what Bruce Springsteen can teach all of us about social media -- and business strategy today. More than you might think. With the Dancin' in the Dark reference behind us, here's the rest of our Top 5 Springsteen teaching moments:
- "Well now everything dies baby that's a fact..." (1982 / "Atlantic City") -- A little ahead of his time, but I think Bruce is clearly talking about the influence and efficacy of old media. It's dying. The :30 TV spot, the radio ad, the billboard, the NEWSPAPER. Times are changing, everything dies -- some may come back, other will be gone forever.
- "I don't give a damn for the same old played out scenes" (1978 / "Badlands") -- There's no guarantee that the strategies and tactics that worked 5, 10, 20 years ago will work again. I'm talking marketing, advertising, media, research, R&D, PR -- we all must stay relevant. Listen and watch what Millennials and thought leaders from around the world are up to -- think anew.
- "God have mercy on the man who doubts what he's sure of" (1987 / "Brilliant Disguise") -- One of Jonathan's favorite lyrics, one of our favorite pieces of advice. When it comes to who you are, what your brand is in the era of social media, trust your gut -- engage with customers and your employees -- don't be fooled by consulting jargon. You know your business, what got you the corner office -- be true.
- "Show a little faith, there's magic in the night" (1975 / "Thunder Road") -- Keeping looking ahead. The day that we started SocialSphere, there were about 25 million people on Facebook. I was in my (mid to) late 30s and felt like a creep, one of the oldest guys on there (I think I was #32,000). With 500 million engaged now -- I have a harder time finding people who are not on the platform. Three years is a lifetime -- there's more magic ahead of us, more discovery, and of course more insights trying to make sense of it all.
Happy Labor Day.
|
