Social Punk 101 - Do brands simply... care?

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Sharing with you here the keynote presentation I gave on May 6th to the students of the Masters class "Issues in Marketing Communication", at the IHECS (Haute Ecole Galilée). A bit more about the story: I had the honor to be contacted by Jean Pierre Ranschaert, teacher "Chef de Travaux" at the IHECS and blogger at LIVErtising], for this special assignment, last course before the end of the year evaluations.

How is Social Media connected to reality? Is it all about technology, digital and web? What's that big thing about the web? Is it just a must do trend? Are brands listening? Do they simply... care? Should they, really?

Are brands (who don't) the new Social Punks?

The idea was to bring a general overview and a few simple cases to point out a series of important elements in social media dynamics. At the end of the day, technology, digital and web  are "just" tools that facilitate the transport of information or bring extra UTILITY to the CONTEXT people live in. The social media side of the digital evolution (simply said "connected humans"), is probably one of the most important factor to always keep in mind. It is all about sociology, psychology, one-to-one (direct) relations, group behavior. It all happens around or through the places where conversations pop, stay, and spread (or die). But it also, ultimately, relies on the places where great and new EXPERIENCE is lived and shared (yesss, life rocks, remember?). And last but not least... it is all about relevant, expandable, positive, shared VALUE, created within the CONTEXT.

On the day of the live presentation, I must say I was very happy to have such response and feedback. Surprised (in a very positive way) by the direction of some questions coming from the students...

- "When I hear about social media, it seems we always have to be connected... Why should we spend our lives in front of computers or mobiles?"

- "When you share something on Twitter, like a picture, a link or a quote... does it make you feel better or greater?"

As communication experts or just active participant how would you answer these questions? - And of course, please don't hesitate to shoot comments on the presentation. It is and will remain open to change & updates.

  

PS : Wanted to thank Jean Pierre Ranschaert for the invite and honor, Helge Tennø for his encouragements and feedback and Gavin Heaton for his always FAB presence (not only online, but LIVE on Skype during the keynote this time...) and for the extra precious and deeply appreciated VALUE he brought while being the noble Servant of my Blob-bla-bla Chaos. ; )

PPS : And since it is mentioned as a case example in the presentation, but I didn't point it there, The Age of Conversation book also have 2 next editions published after the first one. The brand new, AOC 3 is available for purchase right now. All benefits going to a children's charity nominated by the 171 authors. - Check it out and go for it!

  

SIDE NOTE : I just found an interesting guest post of Marta Majewska on Chris Hall's brilliant Cowbell blog. Marta's question is : "Would you be my... brand?". She refers to brands listening  (or not) and the special type of relationships they may or ma not have with their consumers. Is it or should it be like in a love/friendship story? Check it out.

  

Comments

[Prazhari]

Hey Luc,

Great blog, thanks for popping by Social Wizz too. There's a wealth of awesome information here..

Praz

[Luc Debaisieux]

Hey Praz,
Thank YOU! And I will come back to your blog as well. : )

[Umberto's Light Bulb]

"When I hear about social media, it seems we always have to be connected... Why should we spend our lives in front of computers or mobiles?"

In my opinion we don't have to spend our lives in front of computers or mobiles... we have to live a balanced life... still that my laptop and my mobile connect me to thousand people around the world that give me smiles, idea, news,...

"When you share something on Twitter, like a picture, a link or a quote... does it make you feel better or greater?"

Yes a bit... especially if my link, quote,ecc can be usefull for someone or if can give some emotion to one

=)

[Luc Debaisieux]

Thanks for your comment, Umberto. You're right it's all about sharing and learning.
: )