Over the weekend I finally went and saw Inception. Unless you have been living under a rock you know this movie has something to do with dreams, and stealing them. On the surface that is initially what it is about, however as the movie progresses the key plot is planting an idea in someone’s dream/subconscious so that when they wake they will think the idea is their own.
Sounds simple right, wrong. And without giving away any more of the movie for those who haven’t seen it yet, (Go see it now) I want to focus on that point, “planting an idea in someone’s dream/subconscious so that when they wake they will think the idea is their own”.
Something dawned on me when I heard this and thought back to my recent Social Sofa episode with Steve Ludlow. Steve mentioned that the benefit that his business receives out of Social Media is that he gets to communicate with his network and does not feel the necessity to sell to them at every opportunity. With a more engaging and sharing approach, Steve has been able to fill 25% of his positions via Social Media in the last 12 months, without the need to sell or broadcast/spam his jobs.
Engaging with your network, providing interesting and varied content, encouraging feedback, conversation and no selling. When someone within your network is seeking a new career opportunity, they reach out to you, without the thought of another company. Without realising it they have you in their subconscious as the “Go To” company and it was all their idea. Did I hear you say Social Media Inception?
If this is not your strategy perhaps it should be, or at least be forming a large part of your social media communication, engagement and content creation strategy.
Social Media Inception, not a bad thought/approach if you ask me, what are your thoughts?
Great post, this is the crux of social really, building trust and recognition as an employer is what any business should be looking to achieve if they want truly engaged candidates who buy in to their philosophy and who really want to work for them.
Thanks Matt, I think it’s also important to remember not to “sell” to them immediately or simply broadcast your jobs like another job board. Many companies miss the “social” aspect of social media and automate nearly everything. Defeats the purpose really.
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Hi Justin
There you are, leading the thought leaders again.
Cool approach to describing why Social Media is Social, not media. Social is engaging and sharing – media is pushing information only. I look forward to your Inception theme developing further.
Cheers
alan
Thanks Alan, I really do believe that social media enables a greater connection if you “connect” with an individual on a more personnel level then trying to sell to them.
Without even trying to sell to someone you can build a better understanding of their lives professionally and privately (to a degree) and when they are ready they will come back to you. Relationships are key in any form of business and social media helps bring that relationship closer, faster.
And I certainly will be developing this concept further, can’t wait, already have a few ideas on how to do this.
Justin,
You thought this blog was your idea, but I planted this blog in your thoughts throughout our Social Sofa interview. Ha.
Haven’t seen the movie yet. Anyone want to babysit the kids so Sam and I can get out for a flick?
Gold Steve.
I’m sure you could crowd source a baby sitter.
You putting up your hand Justin?
Hey Justin – I came across one person’s comment on the web about the film. They said “I actually think it is about the Internet, and how we can construct our identities so completely here that we lose sight of reality.” This resonates with me. Love Steve’s comment!
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