I’ve been fortunate to have been speaking, training and coaching on how best to use LinkedIn and other Social Media platforms since 2003. Yes, 2003. That makes me Jurassic in the Social Media world.
From time to time, I like to reiterate a very important point. Was Hemingway a typewriter expert? Was Picasso a canvas expert? No. These were just some of the tools these artists used to convey their messages. They were artists.
And that’s what Social Media is for you. You’re an artist in terms of whatever value and message you’re delivering to the business world whether you realize it or not. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever, are just some of the tools you use to deliver your value and message.
Have a basic understanding of these platforms but don’t think you need to become an expert at them. You don’t need to know how to fix a transmission in order to drive a car. Focus on your communication, networking and relationship building skills. Few people do this.
The irony is staggering. People want the newest iPhone which smells colors and realigns the planets, yet few work on improving their communication skills. Give an iPhone to a monkey and he’ll scratch himself with it or bite it. The value of the iPhone is not diminished when the monkey holds it, he just has no idea what to do with it.
We bring to the typewriter, canvas, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc our communication, networking and relationship building skills or our lack of communication, networking and relationship building skills. Always be improving these skills and you’ll always be able to maximize the value and message you deliver regardless of the platform or medium. And that’s what being a true artist is all about.