Written by the founder of the online business network “Ecademy” Know me, like me, follow me (KMLMFM) takes you on a journey to understand the business and personal opportunities that exist within online social networking. The focus is very much on being connected to people, having trusting relationships and being a part of a community or communities. It is not about the technology; technology is only the enabler, being connected is about people.The book provides a wealth of personal examples of the author’s own experiences as well as a number of experiences from people she is “connected” to via Ecademy. As these examples are mainly single handed/small businesses (reflecting those connected via Ecademy) not all of the principles may apply to “big business”. Having said this I do feel the book is a really useful read/resource for small businesses and for individuals wishing to embark on their own journey with online social networking/media. There are a number of inspirational comments and quotes to highlight how business/leadership is changing with the support of online social media.
There is however, a note for big business within the book, namely that they have to be a part of social networking but many are not aware that people want engagement and conversation, not purely to be broadcast to/at.
The book highlights how it is important to connect and to be a part of Web 2.0 and be involved in these online communities for business. Your customers are connected, and you need to be engaged in the conversation.
One of the observations is that today’s “young people” will soon be customers and they have already actively embraced online communities. They understand the transparency, trust and values of what they experience utilising the technology. The question raised is how do we engage with them, when they know the philosophies & technology and use it as an integral part of their everyday life? The answer proffered is, that we need to ensure we know it is not about keeping up with the technology, it is about keeping up with the “philosophy” of transparency, trust and values.
The “philosophy” of honesty, transparency & sharing, is what the author calls “value exchange”; highlighting it is not about self promotion or selling. You should be asking what it is you can contribute, or provide access to, not what can you gain from being within a community. You need to have something to share with the community, either knowledge or connections, i.e. you should stop controlling and start sharing. These are interesting thoughts, and thereby promoting successful social networking to an almost benevolent status!
Whilst focussing on people and not technology, KMLMFM does provide an insight into some of the websites, tools, and resources that can be utilised. There are well known examples such as Twitter, RSS feeds, LinkedIn, Flickr as well as less known sources including the blogs of numerous Ecademy’s members.
This book provides a really useful insight into social networking particularly for individuals or small businesses. If focuses on people not the technology. It has lots of tips and ideas to encourage you to jump in. KMLMFM is a process, there are no shortcuts to doing social media correctly. You will have to spend some time to get involved. As the author states “it is still a muddle but you need to be in it and go with the flow”. Being engaged with social media is a journey and you have to have the right intentions, give, contribute and care, otherwise you will be found out quickly and your journey will be over.
I had already started my journey with LinkedIn, but reading this book has encouraged and helped me further and I now tweet and have started a blog – I’m trying to do my best to contribute, add value, and share. I’m not following a route map I’m just in it and going with the flow – why not join in!
