Keep "social" in social media

That’s the advice of KU Professor Kerry Benson who lectured on social media yesterday morning at the KU Regents Professional Edge Breakfast Speaker Series.

Nobody lectures like Kerry Benson. If there’s something like a professional bucket list, a Benson lecture belongs on your list. She’s that good. She started by showing this youtube video to stress that point that words matter, words have power.

Benson’s point was that we need to be human and keep “social” in social media.  And if we do, something truly meaningful happens. It was captured on this slide.

By sounding like a human, instead of a machine, you can create connections that will help you build business and personal relationships that will last through time.

But what do we see in social media? It’s either YAY!!!! LOVE IT!!!! or some other babble, which is fine if you’re 12 and your room is painted lavender, said Benson.  Or, it’s offensive words like innovative, cutting-edge and interface. Nobody talks like that.

What’s keeping us from doing social media right?

According to Benson, there are two major challenges to writing for social media. The first is we write to impress and our attempts to impress become a  tower of babble. The second is we write out of fear—fear of giving away too much information or unsure what to write. These challenges keep people an arm’s length away from us.

Remember, Benson lectured, what people want in a social setting. They want to be seen. They want approval, assurance, a sense of belonging. Also, social media has an opt-in nature. It’s about get along, get a deal or get connected. Said Benson, “Imagine it’s a big class reunion.”

What should you post?

Benson worked the room in only the way she can engage, asking each person these questions.

• What can’t you stop talking about?
• What would be impossible to give up?
• Where can we find you when you’re not working?
• What are we known for?
• What one thing do we do better than anyone?

By asking these questions, you as an individual or representing a company in social media can find your voice.  Benson mentioned the example of a woman who blogs about politics and desserts, like if Herman Cain was a dessert, what dessert would he be? The woman posted something with a lot of air.

So to echo Professor Benson, words matter. Be human. Keep “social” in social media. And you might experience what you strive for that was captured on this slide.

You will be the person with whom others want to talk and share ideas.

What’s been your experience with social media? If you were a student of Professor Benson or have attended one of her lectures, share your comment.