I'm not even a Washington Redskins fan, but when I read about Skins owner Dan Snyder demanding the firing of the writer of an article in the Washington Post called "The Cranky Redskins Fan's Guide to Dan Snyder" I just HAD to take a look.
I'm a football nut...just love a good football game. My favorite sports radio/tv personality is ESPN radio's Colin Cowherd, who is so good at cutting to the core of the truth of a situation that it's almost painful sometimes. This scenario with Snyder reminds me of my two favorite Cowherd quotes:
"Arrogant people just don't get it...and they don't GET that they don't get it."
"Reputations are EARNED."
It is these two principles that really get to the heart of why social media is so important in business. People care more and more who they're giving their money to for a product or service.
The laundry list of failings in the above mentioned article (including apparently costing Bill Gates over $100 million) is staggering. Because there seem to be facts backing up the claims, it makes Snyder's reaction even more deplorable.
He demanded the firing of of the writer of the article or he will sue the Washington Post. Never mind that it takes a team of editors to determine what written material actually gets printed.
Even more interesting is an owner who holds his coaches accountable by firing them, yet can't take criticism himself and threatens a lawsuit. This is the epitome of the kind of "business owner/executive persona" that has been eroding corporate America for the past 20 years: Do as I say, NOT as I do.
So what does all of this have to do with your business and how you use social media? Simple. The general public is easily swayed, especially in an economy like this. Any high profile example of poor business behavior like this feeds into the public perception of businesspeople (READ: "The Man") being fakes when money is at stake. Even you or me.
People look more and more to social media because they look at our interaction with other people. Are we nice? Are we thoughtful? Do we fight our personal battles on our public Facebook wall? Make no mistake...we are being judged by most everyone we approach for business.
Social media allows people to make a more educated judgement on whether or not to do business with us.
Click on the link above and take a look at just some of what is in there. Imagine if that was his "Info" wall on Facebook. Yeah, I wouldn't want anyone to see it, either. In a way, it might as well be his Facebook wall for all the judgments being placed on him.
All things being equal or unequal, people do business with people they know, like and trust.
It's all about accountability...and not just for the GOOD stuff.
Oh yeah...and reputations ARE earned. Mine, yours, everyone's.
Cheers!
For modern marketing made easy, call me at 717-538-8940, email me or drop me a comment:) Or heck, visit my website...www.marqeteer.com.
Comments(5)