Fear of FEEDBACK?

We all have those ah-ha moments.  One came to me this morning when I became irritated by something and itched to tweet and broadcast about it across multiple social media platforms.

However, I had to hold myself back and remind myself that social media to me represents:

1. A format to learn new and interesting things
2. A way to share positive news, events, people, innovation
3. To share the knowledge I have for free
4. Share inspiration, motivation and knowledge
5. Support causes near and dear to my heart (i.e. anti-bullying, education, etc.)
6. Not to use it to express displeasure based on personal experience
7. Stay clear of controversy 
8. Be known to be a positive person and influence
9. Attract positive people and organizations
10. Promote greatness 
11. Cheer on Canada and my home city Calgary
12. Curate beautiful photography, imagery and art
13. Be an advocate of social media and its ability to inspire positive change

OK, I may have slipped a couple of times.  I'm prone to mistakes like anyone else.  Those mistakes are there to serve as reminders to what my goals are and why I have them.

It did occur to me based on this irritant that people or organizations may be avoiding social media for one very big reason:  Fear of feedback.  Perhaps those who are accustomed to breaking promises, being unprofessional or unpopular conduct may just become targets of dissatisfied customers or people.  

It makes me wonder.  Would some organizations or people avoid social media for that very reason?  On the flip side, if you don't put yourself or your organization how will you know?  After all, we all learn from our mistakes and from feedback.  The more negative the feedback, the more there is to be learned by it ... right?

Certainly I observe a lot of people and companies who use social media to spam (aka broadcast) what they want others to believe about them.  Unfortunately, that perception cannot always be controlled.  I would suggest stop hiding behind excuses as to why you haven't launched your social media program.

Putting yourself out there demonstrates credibility in many ways.  If you are going to put yourself in the game, you have to accept defeat and celebrate success.  Don't expect to only be able to broadcast promos, success, etc.  

Embrace social media as a means to:

1. Monitor your reputation
2. Maintain a positive brand (corporate or "YOU, INC."
3. Develop a positive reputation 
4. Be known to support a cause, philosophy, innovation, inspiration
5. Provide knowledge and educate others
6. Avoid me, me, me
7. Open doors on new networks, people, organizations
8. Avoid or minimize negative publicity
9. Be aware of what others are thinking or saying about you
10. Show you care
11. Use it to learn how you can be better
12. Get the feedback that you may not hearing from your own team
13. Be proactive rather than reactive
14. It can drive awareness, generate new leads, create a better brand

I would suggest that you embrace social media.  It is a tool that is free.  Learn how to use it to your advantage, whether it be by learning more about yourself or your company's identity, or developing advocates who want to sing your praises.

Unless you are a celebrity or politician, you can continue to avoid Social Media.  Sadly, you are doing yourself and your company a disservice.  Oh, and don't just set up a page or Twitter account and let it sit dormant.  That is like having a sign "open for business" with the lights off and the doors locked.

Take the time to speak to someone who has developed influence (visit Klout or KRED.com or Linked In).  There are a growing number of professionals who will and can discuss its benefits without you having to sign up or commit to anything.  In fact, there are folks like me, who are willing to curate your content like any other outsourced, sub-contracted relationship.  They will post based on what you guide them to post and create content that can elevate your reputation just by having the right content.  They usually have high KLOUT or KRED scores themselves (these are independent third parties who monitor and provide diagnostics where everyone is on an even playing field and compared based on how credible they are based on topics they have expertise on).

Whew, this has been the best reminder possible.  I am feeling better and using my knowledge for the benefit of others and creating positive vibes.  It is far better than having tweeted or broadcast on Facebook what a *^%&*&# lousy experience I had and how I wished that #*&%*(&# would have reacted better.  After all, it is my reaction that has far reaching ramifications.  Yep, I feel better about myself overall.

More than anything .... I do feel wiser.  And yes, it reminded me of my own personal goals.