I hear the phrase “I’m not one of the big dogs here on [social network]” a lot. If not that exact phrase, it’s usually something to the same effect. While I appreciate the humility involved in this qualifying statement, I really want to speak to that mentality a bit.
A lot of people seem to think it’s the “size” of your following that matters. Since it’s inevitable, let’s just get the cliche saying out of the way and be done with it:
It’s not the size that matters, it’s what you do with it.
Go ahead, have your giggle. I’ll wait.
Great, now lets move on.
I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t matter whether you’re Joe Schmoe with 14 followers or Jesse Wojdylo who gains 40 followers every time he breathes. If you have something to say that adds value to others, you are important.
Having 250,000 followers doesn’t make your message more valuable. And having 15 followers doesn’t make your message any less valuable. We all started at zero followers and had to work at creating valuable content that attracted more.
It’s not the number of shares that makes your content valuable. It’s not the number of +1’s that validates your ideas. Sure, maybe those are some indicators that have captured some attention, but the lack of those social signals doesn’t make it less valuable.
What I love about social media most is the fact that the playing field is equal. I still feel that Google+ in particular is in it’s early stages (despite being the number two largest social network) and those who take advantage of it now will reap many more benefits in the future. So, start now with you and your story.
You don’t have to be one of the “big dogs” of social media to add your voice to the mix. Those “big dogs” that seem like they are so cool, that they walk on water, and glow in the dark– they’re people, just like you, who started with a story and a voice. And you know what else– they would love to hear from you.
For Google+, guys and gals like Martin Shervington, Peg Fitzpatrick, Mike Allton, Jesse Wojdylo, Denis Labelle, Ronnie Bincer, Mark Traphagen, Amanda Blaine and many others are highly accessible and would love for you to engage them in conversation. Heck, even the Vice President of Google+ Development, Vic Gundotra is accessible and can be found commenting and engaging with users!
These are real people who are rocking at social media for one reason– they like being social.
So don’t be intimidated to get your voice, your opinion, your story out there. Every big dog began their life as a puppy. You need not qualify anything you say with the phrase “Well I’m not one of the big dogs, but…” ever again.
5 Big Dog Tips
Just in case you need a little push in the right direction, here are 5 social media tips that, if mastered, will put you well on your way to becoming one of the “big dogs” you look up to.
- Pick a platform you love.
- Post content people find helpful or interesting.
- Actively seek out and engage with people who are active and engaging.
- Be positive.
- Stay consistent.
Now get out there and share your voice with the world!
Have you ever felt intimidated to share your voice because you don’t feel like you’re one of the “big dogs”?
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