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It Hasn't Just Been About Social Media, Life Lessons Emerged Along The Way
February 12, 2019
Looking back on eight years and re-reading some of the pieces, it's clear the fundamentals passed along aren't just about social media; they apply to life, too. So I condensed the nearly 400 pieces written in the past eight years into something you can print out and post everywhere. Allow this list to serve as a reminder that there is a human element so prevalent in social, let us always (try to) see beyond a tweet; see a person
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Eight years ago this week, Merge was launched.
It was 2011 and All Access President/Publisher, Joel Denver, was the one with the foresight to know a column on the emerging social media space would be something of value.
And through the support of All Access, as well as my former boss, Jacobs Media, President (and Radio Hall of Famer), Fred Jacobs (who spent excruciating hours editing me until I learned to be a better writer), I have come to love writing these short pieces on why social matters, and the writing and behavior behind it that plays a pivotal role.
It is also fun to showcase the inventive and memorable moments others create for all of us to learn from.
Looking back on eight years and re-reading some of the pieces, it's clear the fundamentals passed along aren't just about social media; they apply to life, too.
So I condensed the nearly 400 pieces written in the past eight years into something you can print out and post everywhere.
Allow this list to serve as a reminder that there is a human element so prevalent in social, let us always (try to) see beyond a tweet; see a person.
We are a scroll (and swipe) culture.
Pay attention to what triggers reaction, and equally what does not.
Social media is the metric of emotional response.
Never miss an opportunity to be good to people; create more 'Holy Crap' moments.
Every person counts.
Choose words wisely - even if we're right, if we're rude - we're wrong.
We define ourselves every day by how we behave in this space.
The world is unmoved by how great your prize wheel is.
Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
Good work comes from skill; great work comes from empathy.
Approach is everything - people don't want to be sold, they want to feel welcomed.
Don't assume what you're doing has inherent value.
Always come at content (and what you're about to say) from the audience point of view.
With anything in life, nothing good comes from excessive use.
Seek to resonate, not just to be seen.
Be flawsome (flawed + awesome)
Focus on what is valuable; people want to feel a part of something.
Mostly because they are walking around with the Internet in their pants.
Thank you for tweeting or posting the pieces that matter to you.
The greatest gift you give writers is sharing their work. It means a lot.
Reach out to me anytime on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Please enjoy MERGE archives here.