05.18.10

The Last Three Feet

Posted in Humor~Business, Humor~Health & Goals, Humor~Social Media at 1:03 pm by Dr. Trina Hess

Just read a post in Mashable’s newsletter about how social media is influencing how other countries’ peoples view the United States.

Bridging “the last three feet” is what Edward R. Murrow strategized. He said that international exchange depends on personal contact, “one person talking to another.” The U.S. government has taken hold of this “Three Feet” strategy and used it to its advantage.

Whether you agree with the government’s viewpoint or not, you can’t escape the fact that their social media strategy works.

“The U.S. seems much friendlier than I thought and more accessible,” someone tweeted in response to a post by Elizabeth Tradeau of the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria South Africa. Not only that, but the America is fun now. We’re known for offering education and resources, being free with our information and even asking other’s opinions.

If the United States government—the biggest most unwieldy elephant wrapped in red tape that we can find in our country—can turn all agile and hip: then why can’t every business in the U.S. adopt this strategy??

What would embracing social media do for your company?
It would lead you into the paths of HUMOR.

1. Openness. Your people, your customers, and the general public can approach you without fear. Sure, they’ll give you their 2 cents. But they will also give you vital and valuable information that YOU can use to improve your business.

2. Productivity. All the information, opinions and comments that your openness attracts—you can use it to drive your business into the next competitive stage.

3. Fun. People will see your business as a pleasant, joyful place to work. And to do business with. When you get people excited about you, you gain free sales teams.

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