Comments on: How To: Be A Damn Human

By: Katy

Katy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:37:02 +0000

Hello! I am a undergraduate Journalism student at the University of Kansas. I am really interested in this “being human” topic because I am learning that it is a major part of the social media. A major topic of my Public Relations class is being ethical and building relationships with your client and public. Although I am not in the business world yet, I agree with Brian Hancock that it is risky to be truly yourself in the social media because of all the politics behind it. At the beginning of the semester, my class learned about Edward L. Bernays, “The Father of Public Relations” and he definitely manipulated society using his Uncle Freud’s psychoanalysis tactics. Although he reached fame, it is still a scary thought to be your true self in the world of P.R….and least I think so.

By: Nick @ Brick Marketing

Nick @ Brick Marketing — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:16:46 +0000

I think this is why many businesses are really starting to head into the social space because it shows their audience that they really are human. If you are a larger brand this will work but you have to have the right person be the voice of your brand otherwise it could back fire on you.

By: Lisa Barone

Lisa Barone — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:19:44 +0000

Srinivas: Just one sec, let me wipe my screen clean there. :) I think that’s an awesome comment. Really, your customers just want to know you’re a person and there’s no better to show them that than to let them into your life a bit. It’s not so much a “strategy” as it is “living”.

Nathan: I completely agree. And it is a lot of work. It’s a lot work at the end of the day to respond to emails, to reply to tweets, to hit people back in social media, but you know what? People deserve it. Yeah, the payback is nice, but it’s also just the right thing to do. To respect people who respect you.

Rob: I think social media has been a great way for business to show that they’re NOT infallible and that that’s OKAY, because you’re not supposed to be. I was walking to lunch with friends last week and they were complaining about the hotel they were staying at – they had have their room switched three times, no hot water, typical complaints etc. And the hotel just kept making up excuses for why all these things were happening when really all they were looking for was a “we messed up. we’re sorry”. People are very willing to forgive you when you screw up…as long as you admit that you screwed up.

Sharon: I don’t think I’ve ever “sunnied” someone’s day before. That’s awesome. Thank you!

Gwen: Hey, I like robots. :p

http://twitpic.com/6dopa

By: Gwen Bell

Gwen Bell — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:16:54 +0000

Thank you for the link, Lisa.
But I might be a robot.

By: Sharon Clews

Sharon Clews — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:29:50 +0000

Genius Lisa and totally agree with you. I was hearing myself say the very same things. You are spot on, thanks for making me feel less of a freak for caring and getting involved!!

I just wrote recently about building relationships in business. Nothing else works for me and I don’t want it to. I hate the sell like hell bit. Most of us grew out of it, but we still have time to save the lost souls!

You sunnied my day!
Sharon

By: Rob J

Rob J — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:32:50 +0000

I think that marketers have been trained to present their brands as infallible, which is kind of the opposite of being human. Social media has presented all kinds of paradigm shifts, but I think this is the biggest one. Because, you’re right: people trust people, not companies or websites.

Thanks for the post!

By: Nathan Hangen

Nathan Hangen — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:44:19 +0000

Good lord you really got a lot done with this post. I was thinking about that this weekend when I wondered what it is I loved so much about Chris and Gary. Chris especially, is sincere and makes people feel that they are important. I told him that today and you know what…he responded.

I think these guys are the champions of the customer relationship…something forgotten in this world of IM and New Media. Is it extra work? Sure…but it’s worth it. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard say to love every single one of your fans. It works and it’s the right thing to do.

By: Srinivas Rao

Srinivas Rao — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:17:23 +0000

Lisa, as a recent MBA grad I can say I LOVE this post. I always refer to the MBA as a masters in bullshit administration since being real seems to be far more valuable as a skill. I think there’s something to bloggers who are authentic and people posting real updates about their lives. When people seem to be using some sort of strategy in posting their social media updates, it seems ridiculous.

By: Data Entry Services

Data Entry Services — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:12:55 +0000

I like it – be human. What a great idea!

By: chiropractic

chiropractic — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:47:51 +0000

I slept in late (almost 10am) so missed this first time tweeted. I like this Lisa, I like it a lot. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a new twitter account from someone in my field and assume we can connect. Wrong. What I get instead are automated tweets with special and coupons and spammy replies to everyone mentioning certain keywords. Where do people learn this stuff?

I think Brian brings up a great point regarding risk and I like your response. Balance between being a loose canon and sterilized online version of your offline self is the toughest challenge imo.