By Jason Menard
Why is it that so many so-called social media experts promote their craft with all the subtlety of a carnival barker? It’s true, the squeaky wheel gets the grease – but in the case of social networking, that grease is often little more than snake oil.
I’ve been heavily involved with social networking as part of my job for a few years now. I love it, I think I’m good at it, and I strongly believe in its potential for both business and personal applications. Continue reading
By Jason Menard
Empty words plague sports and business writing alike, so when it comes to providing value to the audience, why do we prize who says something over what they say?
Earlier today Doug Smith, a Toronto Star sports writer/columnist, wrote an insightful blog post under the heading “Talk is cheap and sometimes not necessary,” in which he examines the value of canned quotes over author-penned insight. Continue reading
By Jason Menard
Hindsight may be 20/20, but when it comes to businesses and social media, a little foresight can help nip a lot of problems in the bud. It’s safe to say that Whole Foods’ whole-ly underwhelming response to an ex-employee’s combustible resignation letter suggests that when looking at the potential impact of this letter, the company’s eyes were firmly shut.
One of the biggest challenges companies face in today’s electronically dominated communications world is determining how great of a response they should make to challenges to their brand. You don’t want to raze the landscape to get rid of one small pest. Conversely, you don’t want to approach Mothra with a flyswatter. Continue reading
By Jason Menard
Tweet with the reaper and don’t be surprised if your intent gets corrupted.
Death is nothing to be taken lightly. Just ask Huffington Post writer Tricia Fox or Microsoft who have recently faced criticism over their desire to tie in content to the death of singer Amy Winehouse. Continue reading
There are a lot of social media gurus out there: some of whom I like; others that I can do without. It can be tricky for the social media neophyte to know where to turn when it comes to searching for advice.
I’m not here to recommend anyone. Nor am I going to even suggest that I am the be all and end all, but I can offer one simple suggestion: Embrace truth.
OK, I admit, that sounds like something Wham! would have worn on a day-glo T-shirt back in the day and some may think it’s simplistic, but I can say with full conviction that the best way to connect with an audience and to get your message out is the truth. Continue reading
The M-Dash by Jason Menard 