I try not to get caught up in the whole “online influencer” game, in that I don’t put myself out there as an “influencer?” Do I influence people? Probably some, sure. But I don’t subscribe to the “social media celebrity” crap some folks in my business (including people I like, respect and consider to be friends) do to varying degrees.
That said, we all – yes, all of us – have our smaller spheres of influence: family, colleagues, community, et al. I’m more comfortable moving in those smallest groups, which more often than not are spheres of mutual influence rather than some sort of master/apprentice or celebrity/plebe relationship.
Still, I was taken aback by something that happened to me this past week: a tweet making fun of a job listing for a junior position calling for for years of social media marketing experience. Kind of a lame joke, but then I got this response:
It was a bit of a non sequitur, but a well-meaning one from the Pretzel Crisps folks. I was taken aback, wondering if this was intrusive, to jump in on a Tweet that had nothing to do with their product. But I also happen to like pretzel crisps, and direct-messaged them my address, Thinking they’d mail me a sample. That was when I was taken aback again; not 15 minutes after I sent my address, there was a ring at the doorbell as I worked from home. My wife called to me, “Your Pretzel Crisps are here.”
Gigi Yassine from Pretzel Crisps had come to my door, as apparently they had a location near my neighborhood (down The Lake as it happens), and delivered a rather generous bag of Pretzel Crisps of various flavors.
I was so taken aback that I forgot to ask what prompted them to contact me.
So back to my original dilemma; taking freebies is not really something I’m into; so am I a Brand whore now? How do I regain my innocence?
Just to keep things neutral: as much as I like these for snacks, the Buffalo Wing flavor say not so great (there, I feel better already).
Oh- and by the way, I know I’m not a brand whore. But that was interesting.
Just on the off-chance that you are on a lucky streak, now would be a great time to affirm your love of Morton’s Steakhouse.
I was just thinking, I could really use a steak
I still love you hommie – and hookin ain’t easy.
Confused at why 5 years is funny to you. And to get a free steak, you have to arrange it by DM and then act surprised.
The job description read like it was for a junior position, but 5 years is pretty much almost the entire popular lifespan of social media. Just struck me funny. If you were offering swag I’d be more concerned about pleasing you Jeremy ;P
Well, I think it’s been around longer but different names. But I see where you’re coming from, Doug.
The worst thing? The opportunities that call for 3-5 in social, and all the brand new college graduates with no work experience applying, not understanding that being on FB is not social media, nor that internships don’t count as real work experience.