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Does Social Media Matter to Civilians?

by Deb Ng on June 30, 2010

in social media

Last night I went out for drinks with the girls. My friends work in a variety of careers, none having anything to do with social media. I often wonder if when I talk about my blogs or Twitter they think I’m some sort of loonie, or even if they really care. During our conversation last night I learned:

  • One of my friends didn’t know blogs can be bought and sold.
  • Many of my friends have no idea what to do with Facebook or Twitter.
  • Many of my friends are afraid to use Facebook and Twitter as they’d rather not risk their privacy.
  • They’re totally not feeling the whole Foursquare thing.

Does social media matter to the people who aren’t into social media?

Sometimes I read posts on the popular social media blogs and wonder if the bloggers are speaking to the converted. Certainly no one needs to tell me the top ten reasons to start a Facebook page or discuss how Twitter can help to build a brand. Are we really reaching the people who have no clue how to use this stuff or are we preaching to the choir?

I understand that there are businesses doing research on the web in regard to social media and why it’s needed for business. However, I don’t know if the average person is especially interested in seeking out this type of information.

Why social media should matter to everyone


After I returned home from last night’s debauchery, I thought long and hard about my friends. Does social media matter to them? None of them have any reason to use social media for their professions…or do they?

I thought it would be interesting to explore the ways civilians could use social media for business…and pleasure.

Look for work

Social media offers the ability to look for work beyond the usual job boards. Blogs and websites pull together comprehensive lists of available jobs, recruiters and hiring agents hang out on Twitter, and bloggers discuss tips for landing a cushy gig. Social media also offers a way to research businesses to learn more about them, which can help to land a job.

Participate in discussions

Even if you’re not looking to use social media for business, there are still ways to use it to enjoy your favorite topics. For example, use Twitter and Facebook to discuss a favorite books and movies or debate the issues in an online town hall. Talk about your kids, or your pets. I can guarantee, every channel boasts people who are into the same thing you are.

Meet people who are going through the same thing

There are social networks for people who are battling illness, and the folks who are caring for people who re battling illness. There are groups and networks for almost every problem and every milestone. Whether you’re in human resources or a soccer mom, there is a place in the space to commiserate.

Lodge a complaint

Having issues get through to a brand’s call center? Spotty cable connection? Looking to get in touch with a politician? Many of the major brands have social media professionals on staff to monitor what is being said about them on the difference networks.  Though they would rather their dirty laundry isn’t aired in public, many do reach out to those who are complaining about them to see how they can make things better.

Learn about local businesses

Foursquare, Gowalla, Twitter, Facebook and other networks can help you learn about your locality. Read restaurant reviews, learn where to get your shoes mended or find out where to locate free WiFi. There’s no need to dig through an unwieldy phone directory anymore, not when everything you need is easily searched online.

Receive updates

Keep current with topics that interest you via RSS feeds, Facebook fan pages, Twitter accounts and newsletters. Read ebooks and magazines on your smartphone or ebook reading device, receive the latest headlines on your Facebook status, and keep in touch with the people you love.

What do YOU think?

I could probably toss out 100 or more uses for social media and the reasons those who aren’t managing a brand or who don’t have something to promote would want to use it. The truth is, it’s different for different people.

I sometimes feel like I have too different lives. My blogging, conference attending, hanging out on Twitter life, and my real life, non social media world. They’re vastly different, but more a like than we realize.

How would you describe the benefits of social media to a “civilian”?

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Tagged as: blogging, blogs, facebook, foursquare, gowalla, networking, networks, social media, Social Networks, Twitter

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5 Reasons Why Foursquare Isn’t Dumb

by Deb Ng on June 23, 2010

in Foursquare

I admit it. I use Foursquare. I don’t post my locations to Twitter or Facebook,  or offer mundane updates on every step I take throughout the day, but I do use Foursquare and I don’t think it’s as silly as some naysayers would have you believe. However, apps and tools are always in the eye of the beholder and I realize what works for me, doesn’t necessarily work for someone else.

Foursquare Critics

The criticisms of Foursquare are valid. Many Facebook and Twitter users don’t want to see other people’s Foursquare updates in their statuses.  In this case, they’ll have to decide whether or not to follow the offending parties. Also, folks who frequently update the world with their locations will have to consider the TMI factor and that many people don’t care that they’re dropping the kids off at KinderCare.

There are also people who are worried about privacy issues. I think Foursquare is pretty good with the controls. We only allow approved friends access and we don’t have to update anywhere but on Foursquare if we don’t want to. Most users are responsible with their information and don’t use school names, homes, or any other details that will give away the exact location.

Just like any other app, if used responsibly it should be fine.

Here are my reasons why Foursquare doesn’t suck.

1. Foursquare Highlights Local Businesses

I appreciate an app that helps local businesses gain new business.  Foursquare allows users to see the types of businesses in their area and it’s all mapped out in case directions are needed. If lots of Foursquarers check in to a particular establishment and have good tips and recommendations, I’ll know this is a place to consider visiting.

2. You Never Know Who You’ll Bump Into

Recently I was in New York City for the day and saw on Fourquare that someone from a job I held over ten years ago was at the same event. We said hello and caught up a bit. I ran into a social media buddy at the local department store once, and didn’t even know this person lived sort of close by. If I didn’t see these names on my Foursquare as being in my same location, I wouldn’t have looked for them.

3. See What’s in the Area at a Glance

If you’re a stranger in a strange land you don’t have to eat strange food. Use your Foursquare to see what restaurants are in the area. I know someone who uses it while camping and vacationing to see where to find the laundrymats, supermarkets, parks and chidlren’s attractions. Not everywhere in the area will be listed, but the most popular places are likely on the grid. It can save a lot of web searching from the slow library computers or asking for directions.

4. It’s Kickass for Conferences

My favorite use for Foursquare is for conferences. I use it to learn who is sitting in on what session, where my friends are eating, and which parties to attend – or avoid. In fact, I get the most Foursquare use from conferences as it’s a good way to keep an eye out for the folks I’m looking to meet or catch up with.

5. Who Wouldn’t Want to Be the Mayor of ShopRite?

I mean, really, is that a perk or what? And I didn’t even run for office.

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Tagged as: apps, facebook, foursquare, hyper local, hyper local apps, local apps, social media, Twitter

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