Why the World Needs Social Media

Jun 15, 2010 by

Why the World Needs Social Media

The fictitious Lois Lane once wrote an article entitled, “Why the World Needs Superman” in one of my favorite movies, Superman Returns. Prior to releasing this story, however, Lois had also written an article focused on quite the contrary, telling the world why they didn’t need him. You see, Miss Lane had to be convinced that Superman was worth keeping around before she put her faith in him.

Social media is very much the same. It has taken some time to convince people of its value and worth. Sure, we’d get by just fine if it wasn’t around, but now that we’ve gotten a taste of what it can do, there’s no turning back.

Business owners and entrepreneurs around the world are discovering this new way to reach potential customers and clients. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and many other social networking sites have all enabled connections with people that never would’ve heard of us otherwise. Aspiring musicians are landing gigs through online videos. Entrepreneurs are receiving job offers. Large companies are searching their brand names so they can personally respond to feedback. The list could go on and on and on…you get the picture.

So, exactly why does the world need social media? Well, I just told you! The power of conversation is incredibly strong, and that’s exactly what social media is, a conversation with the world around you. People are going to talk, good or bad, and social media gives us the ability to respond in the blink of an eye. Your YouTube videos could go viral. Your Twitter and Facebook fan pages could gain thousands of followers. Your LinkedIn connection(s) could be your next huge client or business partner.

Or, let’s say you’re a professional in a field that’s taken a bad hit due to the poor economy. What if your degree doesn’t go beyond this field, which in turn places you in a difficult situation and possibly jobless if you get laid off? That’s where these people found themselves. There’s only one solution to this problem in my mind: get creative. Social media is a perfect way to get yourself in front of companies who are seeking your talent. Don’t worry about the degree…just spread your wings and see where they carry you.

This is why the world needs social media.

“Why the World Needs Social Media” was originally posted at ChargedUp Media.

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  • Nicole Rushin

    Great post. I more connected with the Greatest American Hero than Superman, but Superman was cool. I just loved the theme song from that old TV show. But a very strong voice in your post. You are a great writer and communicator, Mandee. Thanks for putting your cape on for us.

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    Mandee Widrick Reply:

    Thanks Nicole. I think my connection with Superman was birthed out of my love for journalism and Lois Lane more than anything else. I don't really follow any of the other “heroes” out there so I've actually not heard of the Greatest American Hero before now. I Googled him to see what he looked like though, and I have to say that I'm probably sticking with Superman just because he's just so darn cute, hehe.

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  • Julie Elliott

    Hello Mandee. You are right Social Media has really opened up a whole new world to doing business, to sharing information and building relationships. I have learned a lot just in this past week from joining the TSA group. Great post. I look forward to learning more from you.

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  • drericagoodstone

    I used to love Superman until Christopher Reeves became paralyzed. He used to fly through the air to any place on the globe. Well, with social media, I have been flying all over the globe also – from the comfort of my home.

    Socail media is amazing. Through map quest, one of my mentors showed me the road leading to his home in Australia – at the other end of the world from where I live. It felt as if he was just around the corner. Every day now I am exposed to the most powerfully informative, uplifting and success oriented blogs, quotes, conversations and encouragement from my global pool of friends. And my business just keeps on growing.

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  • kelliefrazier

    Great points you made here Mandee. Whenever someone asks me what the benefit is to using social media for my company I merely say I go where the people are who look for what I offer. They are on FB, Twitter, LI and other places so connect, connect, connect!

    Kellie Frazier
    dot com

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  • http://www.imjustsharing.com Mitch

    I have always had to find myself extolling the virtues of social media and social media marketing, and finally people are listening and I’m allowed to show some of them how to get some benefit from it. One old school friend of mine always asked “did you get any work out of it”, so which I’ve been able to say “yes” on more than one occasion.

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  • http://rebeccarussell.net Rebecca Russell

    I like your support of social media. It does brand you and get you out there and in todays market, not being online is the bread line…denis waitley.

    Thanks for sharing
    rebecca

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  • http://rebeccarussell.net rebecca russell

    Hi Mandee,
    I guess I liked your post so much I read it a second time. Social media online is where it is at. This TSA group and my blog are major ways I am getting myself branded on the internet. And I am meeting so really great new people. Look forward to being in the same group soon. rebecca

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