The Heartbeat Of Social Media

It’s that time of year again ñ the day we focus on relationships of the heart. It is human nature to want to connect, feel needed, be acknowledged, be understood and be appreciated for what we accomplish and contribute.

This need for connection and appreciation is what fuels the rapid success of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the newest social media phenomenon, Pinterest. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Promotional Consultant Today passes along this observation from blogger Pat Moore, who looks at the heartbeat of social media.

What are the successful social networks doing better than other networks? Why do people gravitate to one social network over the other? For example, Facebook attracts everyone from a 70-year-old retiree to an 11-year-old tween. Facebook satisfies some of our basic human needs to belong. And with Twitter, in one, simple 140-character tweet, we can ask for help, brag about a great day or accomplishment, or pass on some knowledge. Usually within seconds we get a response. Someone sends a virtual pat on the back via a “like” or share.

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Compiled by Cassandra Johnson

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It’s the power of community that makes these networks special. It’s not the network, nor the technology infrastructure that is the community. It’s not the “like” button or the comment box. It’s definitely not the new Facebook timeline.

The heartbeat of social media is simple — the people. That heartbeat gets stronger, louder and becomes viral as more people feel and hear it. It’s what they see, talk about, share, listen to, watch, virtually touch and feel that keeps them coming back. It’s the emotion of good, sad, bad, frustrated, happy and grateful. It’s the ability to share that keeps us bonded. |

Yes, we share business. Yes, we share blog posts, data, expertise, tips and tricks. However, at the end of the day, people buy from people. People are at the heart of communities. Communities are the heart of the social networks. You can’t have one without the other.

Are you part of the beating heart? Go online and do something of value today–something that creates communities doing good things together. Now, it’s time to enjoy some candy hearts!

Source: Pam Moore is the CEO of ZoomFactor, a leading experiential social brand, reputation management and digital marketing agency. She is also the best-selling author of two books including the Social Media Relationship Age, co-authored with Mari Smith, and Entrepreneur Game Changers focused on entrepreneurial best practices and success tips. In addition, Moore is a featured blogger on top sites such as Social Media Today, Business 2 Community and The Marketing Nut, rated in the top 50 of Technorati’s Top-100 Small Business Blogs.