I was thinking again about Michelle Blanc’s talk at the last FailCamp Montreal. Her conclusion was “where there’s smoke, there’s fire…but that fire’s not always where you think it is.” Trust me the story, that led up to that conclusion is hilarious, but that conclusion is far-reaching. Let me explain.
It always surprises me that some companies desperately want to be on Facebook or Twitter; blog or start a Podcast because people like me tell them that’s where job candidates are. On the flip-side, I’m surprised that some companies just choose to ignore this altogether: “Our company’s just not ready for that”. I think they’re all knee-jerk reactions. They’re gut reactions to a new reality, because let’s face it: Social media has lit the business world on fire.
Social media: where there’s smoke there’s fire…
Social media has lit the business world on fire and when you hear about it at conferences or during our meetings you see and smell that smoke. So you react. The thing is, jumping on “just because…” won’t help your business, your marketing, your recruitment, your sales or whatever the case may be. Social media and the digital world are a new reality altogether and they require a complete reboot of your business practices.
Ignoring the situation is the same (or even worst, depending on whom you ask). Either way, you’re letting the opportunity just pass you by.
…but that fire is not where you think it is
The fire is not that everyone is using social networks; that’s a fact. The fire is in this new reality: “the industrial revolution is fading.” The internet has changed everything from communications to the balance of power and there’s great opportunity for you. It’s not just about being on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, it’s about what you can do. As Seth Godin says:
The opportunity is there for anyone (with or without a job) smart enough to take it–to develop a best in class skill, to tell a story, to spread the word, to be in demand, to satisfy real needs, to run from the mediocre middle and to change everything.
There’s no blueprint to success and that’s scary; trust me, I get it. You can learn how to use Google+ or what type of post “works best” very easily. That’s like learning to tie your shoes, before trying to walk. With every revolution there’s a void where all we can do is try, play, test and repeat. If you wait for someone to tell you how to tie your shoes, you’ve missed the boat — you still don’t know how to walk.
You’re right, there’s smoke and there’s fire. It’s just not where you think it might be. Harness it, ride it, test it…now.
(Photo credit: Andrew Magill)
