“We monitor, analyze and anticipate.” That’s the station promo used by The Weather Channel. Isn’t that what we do in Social Media and online networking? Let’s look at the map together and put on our meteorology hats.
1. We monitor. Social Media and the Internet require us to monitor the outside world. We pay attention to how people communicate. Some blow hot air. We watch the windy conversations that take place in chats and groups. We look for unique little snowflakes in other peoples’ information so we can learn and share. We ride the crest of a wave knowing a hurricane of new technology, gadgets and apps are bearing down on us. Some people refuse to even acknowledge there’s a wave to be reckoned with. They paddle against it, polluting our environment with frustration and fear. Many of us are simply blown away by the ”Storm of the Century” that we’re experiencing in Technology. We monitor, with awe and excitement.
2. We analyze. These days everyone is trying to measure or analyze something. Or everything. In Social Media we study graphs and overlays. We feel the high pressure systems that that the marketplace brings. We are like the crew on “The Deadliest Catch,” always enduring the stormy sea armed with our nets and cages. We’ve got data, radio communication and fuel. Forget Focus Groups, they have collectively drowned of boredom. We are prepared –hook, line and sinker–to scoop up the competition. We analyze and we act. The name of our vessel: R-O-I. It’s our maiden voyage and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Social Media and online networking are bringing us to new heights and depths as we measure engagement, trackbacks, and page views. Analyze this.
3. We anticipate. Similar to meteorologists, Social Media requires us to predict. The weather forecasters are looking at a record rainfall. We are looking for plenty of Retweets of our blog posts and an influx of new followers just moments after a busy chat. Online, we must watch the eye of our industry’s storm. We look for new records, anticipate highs and lows, and predict when the chaos may end. We try to find the rainbow that everyone will remember for years to come. In between we anticipate the black ice, fog and funnel clouds that business and Social Media can bring.
Yes, we monitor, analyze and anticipate. In business and Social Media, we bounce around on uncharted water, we occasionally run for cover (reputation and customer service issues), sometimes we take risks and get stranded halfway up the snow-covered hiking trail. Has anyone sent out a rescue team?
Don’t worry. People like you and I believe in our hearts the words of U-2: “After the floods all the colors came out, It’s a beautiful day.”
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Great analogy, Sue! I can always count on you to bring a different perspective to ponder – thanks so much! And I’ll count on your insights as we continue to navigate these unchartered waters!