Have you ever wondered if social media is really worth it?
You spend all this time creating content, tweeting, “liking” and whatever else – but why?
In my view, the answer is simple: to create an extended network of opportunity.
And yes, it’s worth every minute you spend as long as you’re not just wasting time.
Here’s an example of what I mean…
I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel regarding the Arts and Technology in a Social Media Century. The discussion was hosted by Leonard Jacobs, editor of The Clyde Fitch Report.
I also found myself sitting on stage with the following people:
- Ken Davenport, Broadway and Off-Broadway producer
- Marcia G. Yerman, co-founder of cultureID
- Paul Nagle, Executive Director of the Institute for Culture in the Service of Community Sustainability
- Andrew Asnes, Broadway producer, performer, and choreographer
So that’s two Broadway producers, an activist, an arts policy advocate, the editor of a popular political/arts blog, and…me.
Inside my warped little mind, all I can do is laugh
I’m a self-deprecating sort and the fact that this guy, previously seen in a chicken suit on the steps of City Hall (see picture above), is now keeping company with these esteemed folks is hilarious. It’s hilarious because if it wasn’t for establishing myself on social media and in particular connecting with Kathryn Jones producer of the event, I would never have been there.
Perhaps Leonard Jacobs wouldn’t have been there either
Someone in the audience wondered if social media wasn’t just creating an overabundance of invaluable voices. A fair enough question, to which Ken Davenport responded the good voices rise to the top. And it’s those voices for which opportunities present themselves.
To demonstrate Ken asked Leonard, “If it wasn’t for The Clyde Fitch Report would you have had these new opportunities that have opened up for you?” To which Leonard responded, “Absolutely not.”
Is social media is worth YOUR time?
We all know social media can be a time sink. But if you go in with a plan and a decisive goal you’ll find things start working for you in a much more focused manner. It does take time to build an audience, a body of work and relationships. Don’t expect things to happen overnight.
Here’s one way to make better use of your time on social media
If social media is a way to create an extended network of opportunity, how do you extend your network? For me, it starts by filtering out the noise. To do that I form groups as follows:
- Peers
- Pros
- Patrons
Peers. These are the people at the same level as you. You help and encourage each other to move forward with your goals.
Pros. These are the people at the next level you’d like to reach. Reaching people at this level can really break things open for you.
Patrons. These are the people who buy your stuff.
Each group is collaborative in nature
Once you have people in these groups it because easier to know how best to build relationships with them. At times the groups can intersect, but the goal is the same – how can you collaborate with the people in each group to help them get what they want?
By thinking this way you actively look for ways to benefit the people in each group. How can your skills best be put to use?
Your time is put to better use
Now your actively doing things with the potential to have people take notice. And once people start to take notice you never know where you might end up. (Hopefully, without the chicken suit. Unless you’re into that sort of thing.) 🙂
How do you make better use of your time on social media?
Can I borrow the chicken suit? 🙂
I knew you would like that Mr. Donahue. 😉
Excellent summary of the fundamentals of how – and best of all – why to use social media.
Especially the breakdown into Peers, Pros, and Patrons.
Thanks Elizabeth. I love the 3 P’s!
I’m not convinced. I wonder if the push to social media for artists is just another pipe dream, being pushed by marketing people who make money off their blogs, pages and consulting. And that real talent will surface with or without social media. Of all the thousands of artists active on social media, I wonder how many can honestly say it’s been worth it (IE., money in the bank from sales and not just a few “your work is so cool” comments). Perhaps its like art fairs for artist. Sounds good on paper, but the reality is, based on personal experience and several blogs on the subject, most artists end up gaining few sales and rationalize the fair was really for the “contacts”.
Do any of you know of an artist who was discovered by a gallery via FB or Twitter? Do galleries, art brokers, etc, really surf the social sites looking for new talent? Has anyone you know (emerging artist) ever sold a piece of art because of their social network activity?
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. You bring up some really great points. And I think it’s best to answer your questions by finding examples of people who have been successful using these tools and showcasing them here on the blog. So thank you for giving me a push in that direction.
Overall I think you’re right. I don’t believe social media is going to make anyone successful. What I do believe is that it’s a great way to create an extended network. Combined with hard work and hustle you’ve got a real chance to reach people you never would have reached before. And there is potential there for those looking for it. It’s just a question of what to do with it.
Focused energy and hustle will get you where you need to go with or without social media.
Dave, I agree that a plan must be in place to filter out the noise in social media, to establish credibility, and get noticed by those you desire to reach in the “next category” of engagement. A strategic plan is needed to find leisure and business connections alike. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks LaToniya! Appreciate the comment.
Loved the post. I do agree with you because social media provides a chance to develop a network beyond friends family. This is great for artists in my opinion, people are showcasing art software techniques. This is an amazing outlet for newcomers like myself, people that have no educational training, or people that want to add to their expertise. One of my favorite things to do is follow peers pros for advice tutorials. I feel this will only add to my continual growth for my own work career… I want to work in an art related field that has a focus on community support…Iove to keep learning many trades every company needs a person who can wear many hats, especially in terms of communication technology.
Thanks for the comment Alicia.
Nice piece, Dave. Reviewing my own activity on Twitter in this light, I find that I am, more or less, following that 3 Ps formula–no doubt partly inspired by your lessons and writing. The tweetchat, #TalkArt, that I moderate is geared to peers and pros. Im not so focused on the patrons group, but Im trying to include more stuff about my creative process.
I was struck by a particular phrase that you use right after introducing the three P groups: … help them get what they want. Ive heard it before, from you and others, yet still I was not anticipating it. It is a good reminder which I obviously needed.
Thanks for the comment Bob. I enjoy hearing from you. Im constantly reminding myself about helping others too. Its so easy to get caught up in our own stuff that it falls by the wayside. Glad the post helped!
Ive definitely made some good connections via social media. Ive been retweeted on some sites that got me additional hits on my art blog, and Ive also been contacted by people who want me to do some illustration work for them. In addition, I really enjoy being in touch with other artists who I would never have met without social media. I am speeking most of twitter, which is the main for of social media I used related to my art.
Informative article, but what really caught my attention was the breakdown of the groups, Peers, Pros and Patrons. Very simply put.
Thanks Becky!