Thursday, April 26, 2012

Grandma & Grandpa Edwards
Why Aren't  Quotes Considered Social Media?

Recently I read a blog discussing why quotes should not share space in social media. This startled me a little bit. How many times have I seen quotes on social media?
Since I entered the Twitter and Facebook world  I have seen many quotes daily within the 140 character framework. There are the quotes of inspiration, of motivation and the cute ones that make you smile. Why do some consider them annoying and a waste of time? Perhaps, it takes time away from doing their own branding. But what about connecting and engaging with others?
What puzzles me is the fact that the big companies use logos to promote their brand. For, example; "Rethink Possible"-AT&T. How many logos can you identify with a company name? Social Media has brought advertising into Social Media calling it "branding".
Many top Social Media Influencers use many quotes in their blogs to motivate the reader and elevate their thoughts to a higher level. These social media coaches, consultants or strategists author many motivational books full of quotes. Quotes are powerful, motivational tools.
Then Twitter or Facebook pages are used for quotes to attract readers to their blogs or websites. It is at this point of contention that brings the value of quotes to light. To be successful in social media you must engage in communications, promote others, and gain trust for yourself.
Personally, I have found my niche. I like to share and care with my followers
and the ones I follow with " old grandma sayings" that I have collected over the years.(enough to fill four composition books). Those old sayings are short, sweet and full of wisdom. My tweets are a mixture are a mixture of quotes, conversations, retweets, mentions and just plain old being nice and cordial.
Maybe once a day I might shamefully plug my own little art business. By the way, I promote my business by using quotes like: "Let me share my joy of painting" or "Flowers are God's work of art". The title of my business might be considered as a quote: "From My Brush".
If my quotes are not politically correct for social media so be it-it is my personal branding. It is what I do. Social media is a great diverse network of people. Everyone can exercise their methods of communications by using and sharing their own unique methods. You can quote "GrandMaOnDeck"!