Social Media Engagement for Causes

I realize I need to write more: content is king!

That said, I'll begin to roll-out what I consider a framework or methodology of Social Media Engagement for Causes (in particular) that I've been developing as a matter of trial-and-error, some research, and deductive reasoning.

I am NOT a social media expert! In fact I take exception to the word "expert" in the context of the new frontier "social" represents, as well as "best practices." Once upon a time experts insisted the world was flat and best practices included bleeding to balance humors.

Of importance to my thesis is the distinction to be made between engagement as a variable of social media MARKETING (an exploit of what I term Big Marketing), and engagement as a function of relationship communications.

The first rule of social media engagement is: BE HUMAN. I did not make this up.


The first letter of my framework is M.

M is for...

MONITOR

Engagement suggests the building of social relationships. In order to engage you must be aware of where you exist in the virtual conversation. This is both more or less an understanding of your own SEO in practice. Monitor your social, inside and outside. Pay attention to who Follows you, Likes you, +1s you, etc. and writes anything at all about you and your cause. Just Google it!

Failure Analysis

For a little over a decade I've been trying to make a "go" of it in the entertainment industry, with mixed results. I'm finally at a place in my life, and, with myself, that allows me to admit it's just not gonna happen. Totally fine with it - I've got lots going on that fulfills me.

So I'm trying this thing.

I work long hours most of the week and when I get home I really just want to spend time with my loved ones. That said, blogging and other social media activities are a weekend distraction, a proper hobby. The fact is I was never really able to commit to the time and effort demanded of the Biz, even as I worked to "promote" and publicize the work being done in Texas (mostly Austin). Without regret or apology: I won't sacrifice the little down time I have attending events, volunteering my analyses, and "networking." I guess I'm kind of a curmudgeon.

I do enjoy writing, I love Texas entertainment, and I really dig social media - not as a job, come to find out. I found almost no satisfaction in promoting people's work that really didn't *need* the help. All-in-one producers are DIY to the death it seems, for good or for ill. More power to them. I'd rather help those who need it and want it, and, frankly, appreciate it.

So what EXACTLY is this thing?

My hope is that it becomes a community of cause-driven, civic-minded organizers ("dugooders") AND production personnel: a meeting place for the two to come together, get introduced, and work with one another. In addition, I'll offer perspectives and plugs on a variety of topics, especially as pertains to Social Media, non-profits (broadly conceived), community efforts, and Texas media production.

Social Media Engagement is the tool I'll employ to build awareness - and I hope others will join me. It's not about volume - it's about the quality of Followers, shares, Likes, +1s, etc. 

I like to think much can be gained from a sincere failure analysis - unflinching introspection. Ignoring what doesn't work and elevating the successes is, in my experience, a recipe for disaster. I've got many opinions & bones to pick, so, occasionally I'll take the role of gadfly and social critic. I like to rant, which some find entertaining, too!

Find me on Facebook - Like & post. Follow me on Twitter, @TexSHO - I follow back! 

Later today I hope to post on Social Media Engagement, and to highlight some upcoming events and opportunities to give back.

Lights. Camera. Help.

Lights. Camera. Help. is a great Austin-based PSA festival. I think submissions have closed but you should buy a badge and plan to go. There is prize money for non-profits, the entries are often wonderful, and it's a big networking opportunity for do-gooders!

Howdy!

Welcome to TexSHO Central, where Texas Social (Media) Helps Out!

You might recognize me as Texas Horror Flix or TexSho; Micheal Hamm Lovecraft, or Mike Hamm. Perhaps not, and that's just fine, too. This ain't entirely about me, for once ;-)

I'm on the prowl for the Good Efforts in Texas, causes that deserve attention and support, things that improve the quality of life and infuse the community with a sense of purpose... all with a flavor of entertainment. This is a slight departure from my previous efforts that came with unspoken conditions: you see, friends, I wanted to be "in the business," and I convinced myself that the hobby of promoting Texas entertainment - web shows, independent feature films, shorts, crowdfunding, etc. - was fulfilling and that, someday, somehow, someone would recognize my dedication, skills, and talents... and reward me with position and status.

It don't work that way: I don't want to horn and worm my way into anything. I had to learn a couple of hard lessons, take a couple of socks to the chin, and gain some uncomfortable insights. So I'm gonna drop that pretension and just use my little virtual venue to highlight the efforts of those who work for something greater than themselves. I won't lie - there's some ego attached to this project, but that is the nature of Social. Occasionally I'll use this space to express an opinion; to editorialize; or, to satirize. I will always be frank and honest, and admit it I am wrong. I have a deep-seated need to be & do good, not necessarily to be nice. I tried that and it's BORING.

When I find them, when you send me in those directions, I'll post 'em here, on Google +, Facebook, and Twitter.


What's the mission?
To get YOUR cause noticed. That's it. Anything else is gravy.

What's in it for me?
Satisfaction, and maybe some good karma :-)

The whole thing is a Work In Progress, but perfection takes precious time and I have reason to believe that jumping in with both feet is better in this instance. I expect we'll play a lot by ear. Ya gotta get the foundation poured & the frame up before you can worry about the wallpaper.

Let's get this party started!

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