During the week, I did a short explanatory presentation on social media to a group of busy, skeptical SME operators whose typical age meant that they came to computers generally and social media in particular “a bit later” in their commercial lives.
In other words, their typical response to social media is something like WTF!.
I sought a metaphor that would explain the different characteristics and role of social media platforms having defined Social Media sufficiently widely to include, as well as the obvious, the emerging collaborative platforms like Airbnb, and established e-businesses like E-Bay. Whilst some of these may not be seen strictly as “Social Media”, they are nevertheless social platforms, so I felt they warranted inclusion.
I like “chips” French Fries to some of you, so they were the core of describing the role of various social media platforms.
Here are some of the examples, were I to describe my chip habits on each platform:
Facebook:” I like chips”
Twitter: “I am eating chips”
4 Square: “This is where I buy my chips”
Instagram: “Here is a picture of my chip”
Youtube: “Here I am, eating chips”
Pinterest: “Here is my favorite chip recipe”
Linkedin: “My skills include advanced chip eating”
Google +:” I am a Google employee who likes chips”
Slideshare: “The development of the chip market”
E-Bay: “What will you pay me for my chip”
Kickstarter: “I’ve invented this super-cool thing called a “chip”, wanna invest?”
You get the idea, and so did my audience.
StrategyAudit 
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Allen….since I suggested you write this I guess I’ll have to “chip” away at it to deepen my understanding. If my clients would only “chip” in a little more I could afford professional help to make a real “chip” in my market allowing me to have all my “chips” as “french fries” having retired to the Riviera! Chip Chip to that thought. Thanks for the excellent analogy.
Len,
Chipping away at understanding this stuff should be pretty easy for you, a techo from way back. It will add some salt to your business.
Thanks Colin, It seemed to get some traction with them, when just describing and cadjoling had failed.
I guess it is just basic marketing, you need to tell a story if you want any sort of real engagement and recall.
Cheers
Allen
love it! Very nice metaphor and hopefully provided some level of understanding in your audience (such a similar audience to mine much of the time) Thankyou