The phrase “social media” has become common in recent years, something that can only happen if it is either loved or hated. Depending on your age, job, location, and other factors, you might feel positively or negatively about social media. If you’re a Millennial from North America, like me, you probably love it.
Let’s get one thing straight from the start: I don’t love social media just because it helps me keep in touch with friends and family or because it’s a way to plan a long weekend. Social media is part of my life for many other reasons — so many that I can’t count them all. As you think about whether you or your business should be on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or any other platform, here are a few reasons why I enjoy social media and why you might as well:
Share your own opinions
We live in a free country that allows us to share our own opinions and thoughts how we choose within reason. Doing so without the Internet only leads you so far. You want to change the minds of others and influence people across the globe? Good luck doing that from your driveway or at your local supermarket. Unless you go where the masses are, you’re going to have a hard time. It just so happens that the masses are on the Internet.
Social media accounts give you places to store your opinions where anyone across the world is free to read them if you choose to let them. From there, you can compare your thoughts and views and engage with others.
Control your own image
If you make one slip up, the general public can twist and turn the story however they want even if they make you out to be the bad person when you’re not. Yes, it is true they could use the Internet to do this; however, the Internet can also be your best friend in these situations. Use it to rebut, tell your story and make people see straight again. It’s the same way for businesses, many of which have been forced to turn to the Internet to reach the world and tell the true story. That said, let’s all hope that neither you nor your business run into this issue in the first place.
Connect with the world
Expand the brand — isn’t that what every business wants to do? Whether you own an international, national, provincial or local company, social media allows you to reach your target market without even leaving the comfort of your own office. With social media marketing, you no longer need to worry about newspaper or radio advertising taking up too much of your annual budget. Begin a social media campaign and reach your market, no matter where on Earth they are located, with ease.
There’s always something to learn
Because social media connects you to the world, you are learning from everyone. Want to know more about marketing? Follow the world leaders in that industry. Interested in sports? Target media members and athletes of interest. The beautiful part of all of this is that the people you want to learn from may also share unrelated content, providing you with further knowledge on various topics. Then you really will know more than the next guy in line.
Up-to-the-minute
From a career perspective, social media allows you to stay on top of trends and data related to your industry. You can make up-to-the-minute decisions based on the information that is constantly rolling in. If you’re not a business owner and just want to know what is happening around the world, nowhere will you find more up-to-the-minute news and information than social media. Waiting for the six o’clock news, something that will surely be extinct in the foreseeable future, is no longer a requirement.
Many consider social media to be a waste of time. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Whether you are interested in social media for leisure or work, it has something to offer for everyone.
Share, control, connect, learn and remain up-to-date with Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn or whatever social media platform you find to best suit your interests, needs and wants.