I honestly am not in the mood to write an intro for this post. I have something to share so without any fluff and all that “formal” crap, I will get right to the point and start talking about what social media isn’t.

Social Media…..

Isn’t Work

That’s what pays the bills and here I am saying it isn’t work! Something is definitely wrong with me, right? Well, let me explain. You see there is a difference between work and tool. Social media is a tool and not work in itself. What are you using Twitter, Facebook, SlideShare, YouTube, Flickr and thousand other platforms for? To reach out, engage and hopefully be a part of the community. What is your ultimate goal? Maybe it’s increasing the readership of your blog, boosting the sales, building community and so on and so forth. Now, that’s work.

If I were to put a shelf up in my garage, I need a hammer to put nails in the wall. My work is to hang the shelf up and hammer is the tool. You see what I mean. Social media in this case is a hammer and it’s a tool. If social media becomes work, you are doing something wrong.

Isn’t Your “Ego Outlet”

This is one of the things that many have talked about. All these social media platforms are increasingly becoming a place for insecure assholes. Pardon my language but seriously, whether you are on Facebook, Twitter or whatever platform it is, I can vouch that close to 50% of people are bragging about themselves. Ohh and not to mention the social media experts. I work in this field and I start each day as a rookie. There is so much to learn when it comes to creative marketing on the web that being an expert is out of question.

It’s like giving birth to a baby and telling a mom of 21 year old you are expert in raising a kid, I mean come on. So if you are one of those who brags themselves on these platforms, do us all a favor and close your account. We’ve had it with you.

Isn’t Genie In a Lamp

What do you do when sales are down and business isn’t going all that good? Of course, dive into social media and either handle it yourself or have someone else do it. If you do it, it’s very likely you’ll screw it up cause well the business is already suffering because of you. If you end up hiring someone you are going to expect that person to do the unthinkable.

The business was down for a year, you hire a “social media expert” and two months down the road, the graph still isn’t looking like a hockey stick. Well, no matter who you hired, remember social media isn’t a genie in a lamp. Things take time to happen. Especially when you start out from the bottom. Businesses and individuals need to realize this so every one can have reasonable expectations.

Isn’t Going To Replace Traditional Media

“Social media is going to replace traditional media!” Give me a freaking break. You think social media is going to shut down television networks, billboards and all that stuff? Come on now, you know it, I know it…it’s not going to happen. Sure, newspapers are going down the hill but they are just stubborn.

What businesses and people need to realize is the fact that social media and traditional media should live in harmony, together. It’s a powerful combination when both are combined. Next time you tell anyone or anyone tells you that social media is going to wipe out traditional media, give them a finger and say “you moron.” Social media isn’t going to replace traditional media. Yes, it may have more impact in some areas but is it a replacement? Heck no!

Isn’t About You or Me

Sure, everyone is going around chanting it’s all about giving. I agree that a community is built upon trust but it isn’t just about you. If there was nothing in it for me, I wouldn’t be doing all that I do and I wouldn’t be where I am at. For example, one of my clients wanted a presence on Facebook. What do you think his answer was when I asked why? Ohh yeah, he said he feels like being generous and “giving” to his target market on Facebook. No! He wanted to tap into that market cause he wants more people flocking to his site, more interest in his products and ultimately more dollars. Can you blame him for that?

Next time someone says social media is all about giving…well, I don’t know, tell them the truth. Let’s be honest here…it’s about us. I give a little, you give a little and we meet in between and reach our goals.

Isn’t All About Reading/Learning

It’s about sharing thoughts and exchanging ideas. So go ahead and say something rather than being a snub and leaving. Let’s hear your thoughts on what social media isn’t.

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