RPO and Talent Management Blog by Ochre House | Ochre Talk

Social Networking won’t get you to Number 1!…Or will it?

When considering your Employer Brand we have had a stark reminder this week that you need to be in control of your message in ALL media, but particularly online where opinion is rampant and freely and cheaply expressed.

So who will be Christmas Number 1?  Joe McElderry with a bland, regurgitated version of an original by Hannah Montana (yes, its true!), called “The Climb”?  Or Rage Against The Machine’s dire, little-known expletive-laden (apparently that’s why they chose it) 1992 track called “Killing in The Name”.  “Who cares” I hear you ask.  Well, hundreds of thousands of people do and are making their voices heard through a Facebook group called Rage Against the Machine for Christmas No 1.  Some would argue that this opinion is not entirely rational, but it is nevertheless out there, growing fast, and even spending cash!

Apart from the wild-fire that swept Susan Boyle to global stardom via You Tube, this is one of the starkest examples we have seen that Social Networking sites are now undeniably influential.  Could you have imagined this happening two years ago? Now it seems to be the fastest way to connect people with a common goal, theme or message and yet will it be enough to ensure victory for Rage Against the Machine.

It may well be, but I would put my money on that being the lack of quality opposition!  If they want to be certain of victory, Social Networking is unlikely to be enough. In Joe McElderry’s favour, he has a CD out today, Sony management, a massive PR and advertising machine behind him, a TV show that was on for (what felt like ) four lifetimes as a pre-release campaign, the highest profile promoter in the industry, an imminent tour… I could go on.  And yet if Joe loses in the final count, it could be, just could be, that the lack of a Facebook group to actively promote him in this race, was the missing piece of an otherwise very impressive puzzle.

Social Networking is here and the message is loud and clear:  It can be immensely powerful to your brand, or it could be devastatingly destructive.  Make sure you are in control, don’t assume it is your panacea but make it part of your concerted campaign.

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Comments

1. Selina Hanohano says:

   January 21, 2010 at 10:55 pm

   That’s an great post, I really think that social platformsnetworking type of sites are going to be taking a huge gain in 2010. I really think that we are only in the beginning stages of social networking and we can see that with applications like Gowalla, it’s only a matter of time until all things are communicating together at an even greater level. I’m can’t wait and am excited for this year, it’s gonna be a big year in social networking. I’m wondering what you think?
2. Chris Hornsby says:

   January 22, 2010 at 9:37 am

   Interesting point (and one that I intend to post on soon!). I had not heard of Gowalla – but it looks interesting – you may even see me pop up there. But are there too many platforms and not enough time?!?!?
3. rankpay review says:

   January 28, 2010 at 3:12 am

   I’m starting to love Gowalla. At first I didn’t understand what the point was but after a while I truly began to understand the reasoning behind this app. It’s a great way to connect with like minded individuals, and also further connect to the social network. I love it!