Comments on: What Is It About ‘Social Media’ People?

By: Pete Jakob

Pete Jakob — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:26:58 +0000

Shelley
I find the question really interesting. I’m not sure what a “marketer in social media” really is – it may have some meaning today but I don’t think there new attributes required just because of social media.
For me two of the key attributes that I have observed over the years amongst successful marketers are CURIOSITY and PASSION.
If you are open to new ideas you will probably have been naturally drawn to social media – if only to understand what all the fuss is about and to form your own opinion.
And when you discover that this is not so much about technology but more about human traits of openness, trust, sharing, learning etc it is highly likely that you’ll get passionate about this – particularly if these are values that you already share or aspire to. And if you’re passionate about something you can’t help that excitement showing through.
I don’t think it’s about Introvert versus Extrovert. Introverts have insights too (!) and social media provides a great platform for all to have an equal voice. However, introverts are rather less likely to want to stand on the conference platform…

By: Pete Jakob

Pete Jakob — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:25:37 +0000

By: Shelley Ryan

Shelley Ryan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:36:21 +0000

Kami, regarding the whole Myers-Briggs personality scales… I used to have a boss that was certified in that, and he used the tests in team-building exercises. We could always count on him to say to somebody, “Your P-ness is showing!”

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:31:54 +0000

I love Kami’s quote here: “It is a great way to be with people without actually having to be with them, if you get my drift.”
…which reminds me of the Charles Shultz quote: “I love mankind; it’s people I can’t stand.”

By: Kami Huyse

Kami Huyse — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:07:54 +0000

Shelley; I think I feel a little T coming on. You are right of course, I do tend toward the center on the F/T scale. For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about, just suffice it to say I am a bit of a geek. A fun and extroverted geek (of course).
I have to agree that social media has a lot to offer introverts as well. It is a great way to be with people without actually having to be with them, if you get my drift. And for those of us that like more interaction, there is always the phone or conferences.

By: Shelley Ryan

Shelley Ryan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:01:42 +0000

Mike, Jeff, I think I consider myself more of an introvert than I used to, primarily because I’ve been working from home for so long. (People? You mean there are *people* out there?) Social media tools that are truly conversational help me overcome that feeling of isolation a bit. But as thoughtful as I try to behave, I still manage to stick my cyberfoot in my mouth now and then!
Chris, Geoff, I agree about getting a rush from the results of connecting with people — and making business feel personal when you’re the “voice” of that business. Achieving that can be a real kick.

By: Geoff Livingston

Geoff Livingston — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:39:59 +0000

For me, the excitement lies in the great results I have already achieved, and the great hope it offers for not only communications results, but a better business environment in general. Corporations have a hard time hiding unethical behavior out here.
This in turn has ignited a fire in me like I’ve never felt before. The future is indeed bright and exciting now. I’m a believer, and cannot be swayed differently now.

By: Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:21:06 +0000

Hi Shelley:
As versatile as the Internet itself, the different elements of social media can appeal to both types of people. For some introverts, written or “safe” computer interaction is easier than in-person socializing. Extroverts may enjoy the large selection of outlets and many conversation streams found through social media.
Like Kami, I’m excited about all the possibilities to increase communication and can’t wait to see where the future is headed!

By: Shelley Ryan

Shelley Ryan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:10:55 +0000

Betting, Kami, that the F in your ENFP isn’t extreme — you did too good a job talking about ROI and social media! There’s some T in there somewhere.
In agreement with the rest of you, too. Extroversion helps. But when you’re passionate about the subject, even introverts (Ann, really??) can extro their verts without restraint. I’m experiencing that now as I visit a blog frenzy about the Next Iron Chef America.
http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/11/next-iron-che-1.html#comments
People are funny!

By: Mike Buckley

Mike Buckley — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:08:46 +0000

Shelley,
I don’t consider myself an extrovert but I do enjoy interacting with others via the social media. As business people, our job is to deliver a message, whether it’s a sales message, a marketing message, or any other type of information.
The more ways I have to get the message out, the more likely it is that the right people will see it.