A few weeks ago I was at a gathering of like-minded technologists in my area, and I struck up a quick (thankfully) conversation with a fellow who, in all seriousness, labeled himself a Social Media Ninja. He just let it hang there for a second, waiting for the expected, and inevitable, question, “What is a Social Media Ninja?”
I’ll do my best to correctly paraphrase his response.
Apparently, a Social Media Ninja is someone who has 5000 followers on their Twitter account, shares links to articles that other people post throughout the day, and has an active Facebook fan page.
Huh.
So I guess my 15-year-old niece is a Social Media Ninja. Perhaps she should be out there trying to get the same jobs that this tool – I mean Ninja – is trying to procure.
Not once did he talk about how these amazing, super-human like powers could possibly help a business retain, or gain, customers. He failed to mention that he could affect a company’s revenue stream in any way shape or form. Apparently he just wants someone to hire him so that he can create a Twitter account, and a Facebook fan page and sit there and talk to people all day.
No strategy. No plan. Sorry, that means no results.
However, he does have something cool to put on his business cards.
6 Responses for "Social Media Bollocks!"
Heh, when I read the first sentence about “a gathering of like-minded technologists in my area”, I was wondering what it was and where I could sign up! But once I got into your encounter with the Ninja, I then began to wonder just what kind of ‘like-minded technologists” you hang out with. ;)
Sounds like he needs a reality check.
I hate social media. Sadly it seems to be the strongest thing on the interwebs these days. I’m even designing a social element into my current application to give it a better chance of success. Yes, I sold out… no, I’m not a Ninja.
Sorry Steve,
You are WAY off base this time. Clearly you don’t understand how business works.
See, we are in a new economy. Old business with ‘profit’ and ‘strategy’ are out of style. These days, we compete for eyeballs.
No Strategy and No Plan = Start Up Company.
Yeah Baby!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to prep my sock puppet for our upcoming Super Bowl commercial and go order some Aeron Chairs.
DW
[...] Social Media Bollocks! – Fusioncube [...]
Social Media Ninja huh?! wow, yes! that is about the only thing he can put on his business card. Also I would like to know how many of those 5000 followers on twitter he actually has a “relationship” with.
Numbers dont mean ANYTHING! Its all about the quality of the relationship.
Plus, no plans in old school business and no plans in new school business = fail…. thats why Dan is playing with a Sock puppet ;) haha
Just because the platform is free doesn’t mean there should be no planning involved
Heh, I know what you mean Eric. I’m debating whether or not to attend the event any more. I went looking for intelligent, stimulating conversations, and possibly business partners and instead found amateurs, recruiters, and jokers like this guy.
@travis: I certainly don’t hate the trending towards a more social, connected way of doing business and building communities online. However, I do despise those who are bullshitters who find ways to prey on the ignorant.
@Dan: I always new you were hopeless. btw, the sock puppet sounds brilliant!! Need any seed money?
@Kelsi: Yes, due diligence, education, proper analysis and well-defined expectations seem to get thrown out the window any time a new fad comes along. I still remember the heydays of “if we just make a cool website and have a Super Bowl commercial, we’ll make millions.” Seems as if the furor over Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook are causing some of the same problems these days.
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