marketingprofs.com: Putting together a social media symphony...

We Can Make Music Together In a video at TED.com, Israeli conductor Itay Talgam gives a spirited 20-minute talk on what modern leaders could learn from great conductors. Interestingly, a lot of the principles he presents in the video can apply to nourishing a social-media campaign. Here are some of his words of wisdom that can cross over beautifully from the world of music to the social-media environment: Use a natural touch to find harmony. "Joy is about enabling other people's stories to be heard at the same time," Talgam says. In an orchestra, each instrument tells a unique story, and they all have to be told at once. A conductor's job is to ensure those tales find a common harmony and convey a unified message. Crucially, he does this with the gentlest of gestures, Talgam notes. Use only what's needed for the show. Just as a symphony isn't a dog-and-pony show of every musical instrument ever, participating in social media isn't about being everywhere, all the time. It's about understanding how your target uses certain tools, then embedding yourself in a nonintrusive, constructive way. Do not interfere in the development of your "orchestra," even if the players take unexpected turns. The social-media message here? You can't control everything that happens in a free-flowing collaboration, so don't even try. Often, the loveliest development rises out of the absolute unknown. Become a partner. When players are motivated, when they feel that they share in what you're creating, it results in the best music-making. So, too, with cultivating a community around your brand. The Po!nt: Get the music playing. You may think that overseeing a social-media effort is as overwhelming as coordinating a thousand-piece orchestra. But all you really need to go social is this: a light touch, fluency in the medium and confidence in your team.

Posted via email from LJJ Speaks!