Social Media Provides its Users Opportunity to Share or Find Their Passion

Chris S. Cornell

When I started using Twitter and Facebook a little more than two years ago, I saw these social media platforms as tools I could use to broadcast my business’s message to prospective customers. I fell into the same trap as most who see social media as a way to persuade others to buy a product, vote for a candidate or change their way of thinking.

Well, I’ve learned a great deal about social media since then, and probably the most important thing I’ve learned is that in order to influence others to do anything, you must build relationships, and you must provide others with something of value. In other words, you must give others a reason to want to be a part of your network or community. And you must give them a reason to return.

I looked at what some of my peers were doing with their Twitter and Facebook accounts, and I noticed a common thread shared by the most successful users — they all had an an uncommon enthusiasm for whatever business or activity in which they were engaged. They had a passion for what they did, and it was that passion that drew other people to them. This passion also caused them to want to share what they had with others.

That’s where the fun began. I began searching for interesting people, and discovered that they consistently had interesting, useful and downright essential information to share. I found artists, business owners, social media experts, authors, lawyers, editors, reporters, CEOs, SEOs, musicians, doctors, physical trainers and so much more. Some of these people were already my customers, most were not, and many will never be, but they all had something to share.

From that point on, I avoided my initial urge – which was to try to see how much of my own information I could force upon the people I had found. Instead, I decided to pause… and listen. What a game-changing decision. My social media network includes scores of amazing people who take the time to post information that is frequently extremely valuable.

Use Twitter and Facebook to connect with people who have a passion for what they do. Ask them questions. Read their blog posts. Watch their videos. Ask yourself “What are these people doing that I can learn from? How can I become more passionate about my own career, hobby or cause? How can I become more passionate about my life?”

Do you like to write, take pictures or make videos? Take your life’s passion, and use it as the foundation for blog (you can do this for free at WordPress.com or Blogger.com). You can build your own community around your passion. Alternately, you can use a Facebook page as the home base for your network. Many people use Twitter as a way to build an even more extensive network.

Sound overwhelming? The good news is, with social media you can start small, and build as you go. A good place to connect with other Westchester-area people who share an interest in social media is on the Westchester Social Media Facebook page. There you will find scores of local people who are willing to share tips and techniques that will help you put social media to work for you. There is also a vibrant and growing group of Westchester residents active on Twitter. Talk to you soon, and keep the passion.

Chris S. Cornell is the Director of Social Media at Thompson & Bender — a Westchester-based PR, advertising and marketing firm. He manages several online communities, and consults, speaks and writes about social media. You can follow Chris on Twitter at WestchesterPR. This column first appeared in Generations Magazine, a monthly print publication of Westfair Communications.

• Posted in Social Media
• Tagged Thompson & Bender, Westchester Public Relations, Westchester Social Media, WestchesterPR
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