Wallflower Paradox and True Engagement
What is a wallflower?
wall-flow-er [wawl-flou-er]:
1. a person who, because of shyness, unpopularity, or lack of a partner, remains at the side at a party or dance.
2. any person, organization, etc., that remains on or has been forced to the sidelines of any activity
Let's add a third definition blending in the unique arena of social media.
3. a person or brand reluctant to engage in meaningful conversations online.
Individuals and brands seeking to make an online impact need to consider the unique dynamics of what it means to be a wallflower and identify areas to extend beyond this stage of engagement.
Here are a few rules or tips for growing past the wallflower stage:
1. Recognize the value of DMs, Re-tweets, and messages and respond accordingly.
2. Be responsive yet authentic.
3. Add value to the conversations taking place.
The reason social media is so successful is in large part due to the fact that we can actually communicate with another party leading to productive and rewarding connections.
Brands and individuals who fail to respond and participate are not very social at all.
