For about 20 years now, it’s been cool to be a nerd. Kind of.
Nerd-dom can be defined as being awkwardly enthusiastic about things that take some intelligence, imagination, and participation. Maybe put an emphasis on “awkward”.
I think this is why nerds excel at using social media. If you’re too cool to participate, you get nothing. If you’re not intelligent, you’re bound to be misunderstood. If you lack imagination, you probably won’t get far using social media in the first place.
It’s a pretty good time to be alive if you’re naturally a nerd. You’re actually encouraged to be yourself, to be transparent, even in business. Especially in business.
How did that happen? Kurt Cobain in a cardigan? Bill Gates with a billion dollar endowment?
Here’s my theory: Programming and computers fall squarely into the nerd pantheon. And you have to have those ingredients I listed earlier to really make them work for you. As computers e became the tools that the world used to talk to one another, the language we use became an extension of those tools.
And those characteristics that are automatically built into the language- enthusiasm, participation, etc. are part of it. Nerds are native speakers.
So how does this help you in business? I’m not positive. My social skills have always been a bit on the awkward side (though I admit I have a great sense of humor. If you like bad puns.)
But I would encourage everyone to let their inner nerd out. Especially when using social media. Be honest, and a little weird, and human.
Your brochure is one thing. Social media is another.
Tags: business relationships, content, getting started in social media, marketing strategy, Social Media