Here it is 2010 and it’s the year social media makes money, right? Sure, why not. Everyone loves a band wagon and buzz words. I mean, I read all these posts and read profile after profile of people who call themselves gurus and ninjas. At some point it, all seems a little silly.
So silly, in fact, that after spending time with my grandmother, aka mommom, I realized that she created social media. Yes, I said it, “My grandmother invented social media!” I don’t need post-dated blogs to prove it. We talked about her life and how and where she grew up. I gathered enough information in an hour to know that she, in fact, invented social media. Here are questions and answers for proof.
Question: Mommom what do you miss most from when you were working?
Answer: What I miss most is the way people helped each other. It didn’t just feel like people cared … they did care. That is the basis for all God’s people of the world to come together.
Question: Mommom what do you think about the Internet?
Answer: I’d like to learn it. If I still had a computer, you could teach me. I thank the Lord no one had computers when I was growing up—nothing would have gotten done. People forget what it’s like to actually WORK. The Internet didn’t build this nation. It was done on the backs of hard-working men and women. People build things. The Internet just connects them faster. Big deal. I can call China if I want and talk instantly.
Question: Mommom what is customer service?
Answer: It’s a joke. As soon as America sent customer service overseas, it was a sad day for everyone. Customer service is self-explanatory. Serve your customer—no matter what it takes. People don’t need much to feel good when they are upset. A little effort goes a long way.
Question: Mommom how can we make customer service better?
Answer: Easy! Care about the people who spend money so that you can put food on your table. A timely response is good. The answer might not be what people want to hear, but as long as they get an answer they will feel better. Be honest! If you are honest people will forgive almost anything. No human on earth is perfect. Be patient. If you take the time to help a customer they will be a customer for life.
Question: Mommom what is the most important thing in a relationship?
Answer: Sharing is the most important thing. Life is a give and take. You can’t give too much and you can’t take too much. If you take the time to get to know someone they will in-kind get to know you. If you listen, you can learn. If you speak, you can teach. Finding balance in all things will make for a solid relationship.
So I could go on and on asking her anything. You can substitute words like business, for social media all day. That doesn’t change what it is. Social media is not changing business. To me, it seems like people are demanding that business return to the way things used to be. Back to the way I like to do business—with a 1950’s mentality. Where the heck did web 2.0 go? Better question, where is web 3.0 at? Dead. Why? Because the masses do not relate to “geekdom.” Insert “social media” and the crowd goes wild.
My 94-year-old grandmother knows more about business strategy than a lot of people running around claiming to be the best. If you are creative and not afraid to take chances, then you can do well in business. The trick is to really care about the people that you do business with no matter if you are giving or receiving service. If you can find that balance you can thrive.
So stop with the rockstars and guru’s and Twitter lists. Start helping people. Do things that have meaning. Be a ROCKSTAR, don’t call yourself one.
Now whom do I have to talk to for royalties for my Grandmother?
Written by Owen JJ Stone
I run Inquiring Mindz Media, enjoy being a dad, building brands, designing, making videos, and meeting people. For more info, check out OwenJJStone.com, @Ohdoctah or IQMZ.
Tags: Business, caring, community, Friends, interview, People, respect, responsiblity, Social, women
