From Jacquee T.: I agree, and vice versa. Had a man given up his seat that time, I’d have smiled and thanked him. It would have made a nice exchange.

I’m actually in the midst of drafting a “Social Media Marketing Plan” for a client of mine. Here’s part of the preamble:

Talk

Social media is, in part, about narcissism. Wired magazine once referred to it as “micro-fame.” Everyone likes to show off. Everyone likes to think they’re famous and interesting–even if it’s only to their peers. In short, everyone likes to think that they’re a rock star even if it’s only for a little while.

Listen

What are others saying about you? Set up a Twitter search to find references to your company or your projects. Set up a Google Alert for the same things.

Respond

The social networking phenomenon offers unprecedented resources to not only start a conversation, but to join existing conversations. Start a conversation with cool photos, but then respond to comments later. Post a comment on a blog post that links to your website. Demonstrate that you’re listening and that you’re not just listening for your own benefit, but because you find what others are saying to be interesting.

Be Honest

True social network participation can’t be manufactured or it will fail. Talk like you would in real life. Respond honestly, clearly and concisely. Admit your failures while celebrating your victories. Own what you create. Have fun, but make sure everyone knows it’s you behind the curtain.

Remain Committed

Stay with it for the long haul. If you create something that works, don’t stop it after you achieve your goals. Social media participants feel abandoned if you engage them and then drop them. Create a realistic, long-term, sustainable plan.

(End Preamble.)

The big thing to remember is that social media is a two-way street. You have to participate to get others to follow your updates. You’re not there to broadcast. You’re there to talk. Think of it as a public conversation. You start talking in a coffee shop and someone overhears something they find interesting, so they join in. Suddenly you have a new friend. That’s Twitter in a nutshell.

I know Twitter seems weird at first, but once you begin to have conversations, it becomes fun, fast. So relax and give it a little time and have fun with it.

From Jacquee T: That seems like one crazy coffee shop, on Jupiter or some other astronomical place — with “Followers” talking fast, 20-or-less words at a shot. Ah well, I’ll stick around for awhile. Thank you.

From Jacquee T: This is hilarious. Thank you!

Stella