An article about sustainable fashion popped up on my news feed this week. The accompanying image was that of a button being sewn back on with a thread and needle. Like “old school” fixing your clothes, repairing a hem. It had me thinking about fun with language to reframe things. For example, instead of “I’m such a loser, my closet’s still full of all my clothes from the 90’s!” Try, “I’m a firm believer in sustainable fashion. Going vintage reduces waste.”
That’s Mixologist. Not Bartender.
I actually get jealous sometimes of how people think of elevating language. It’s not your mailing list, it’s your Customer Relationship Manager. It’s not an event, it’s experiential marketing.
That’s also true when it comes to talking about digital media as well. The truth is that the need (not fun, desire, but actual functional NEED) for social media is not necessarily for everyone. Real-life needs and strategy should be the driver. Social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) are the tools or vehicles to get there.
There are wonderful reasons to have a vibrant digital footprint—including your website and your social platforms. It increases your searchability online and allows you to tell your own story on platforms where you provide the content. That can lead to all kinds of opportunities—from finding new customers to building new partnerships to even making new friends.
So for those feeling like ‘I’m not on social media’ (or not yet at a level of comfort to drive business objectives) ‘but I know I need to go in that direction to keep my pipeline of clients flowing,’ here are some ways to phrase it to others so that you still sound in the know, while figuring things out.
Reframe your fear of Social Media with ready to use substitute language.
“I’m a digital immigrant in the midst of acculturation.” Basically means you have no idea what you are doing but are learning about your options.
“I’m taking a multi-channel approach. I’m still reviewing my mix.” That’s a good alternative to “I have a Linked In account, but I never look at it.” Or you’ve signed up for a few accounts but lost your passwords (hint–click on Forgot Password and reset it).
“My highly exclusive clientele knows how to find me.” Is that the new “if you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it?” Or is it a nod to the new trend in minimal website design?
You are now prepared to “fake it until you make it.” Go forth and prosper, or give me a shout out for workshops or one-on-one training to get you on your way.