You and Maslow

 

 Ever wonder what makes a fan a fan? I mean, why would someone support a team of people that, often times, does not even know that you the fan are there? Maslow's hierarchy of needs tells us all that we need to know. People need to belong and they need to have love and companionship. "Misery loves company," they say and that's true of happiness and every emotion in between. 

 So think of that when you are wondering how to grow your fan base (yes, businesses have fans too. Think Mac, Greatful Dead and VW), think about how you can serve your fans and give them what they want. No. Think about how you can give them what they need.

Host events. Give them insider information. Give them a "shout out". Show them you care. If you have to, do it one-by-one.

How to Start a Riot

I have been asked "why the hell would you name your company Riot?" Riot has a bad connotation of flipping over cars and burning buildings after your team loses the championship (or wins- never could figure this out). However, to start a riot, someone has to be passionate enough about something to stand up and take action. How do you start a riot through social media marketing? Well, it takes the right mix of quality content and engagement. 
What does your team's community want to read about? What will make them stop in their tracks on this busy day to read what you have written (or watch your video or otherwise pick up what you're puttin' down)? Then, when they react, will you engage with them? Or are you just a one-way pipeline of information like a newspaper (dying) rather than social media (thriving).

Social Media = Brochure?

I was talking with the director of a large national organization recently.  "We're doing the social media thing," he explained.  "The challenge is keeping it up-to-date."
I will be working with him on a paradigm shift before we even begin to talk about strategy. Social media is not something that you have to keep up-to-date like a website or brochure.  Social media is where you engage and where you offer value.  What do I mean? Here are some examples:

• Respond to questions posted on Facebook or Twitter: like a handshake or a handwritten note, these encounters go a long way
• Ask questions of your followers and fans by soliciting feedback and crowdsourcing ideas: show them that they are valued
• Post good content: respect their time
• Offer discounts or specials for those in your community
• Enjoy it.  I'm mean really enjoy your community. Like a smile over the phone, it comes through.