A while back, I was going through my Twitter feed and reading posts when I came across a post discussion with a PR professional. I went to review their Bio and feed to see who it was and if they seemed an interesting person to follow.
Their Twitter Bio read something to the effect of; Public Relations and Social Media Consultant. Pro Blogger, etc, etc. So I went ahead and followed the individual, as their Bio seemed to portray someone savvy enough about PR and Social Media to consult others.
So, regardless of the fact that they only follow less than 500 people and had fewer than that following them, I decided to engage them. Like many people who follow me, who are interesting, I extended an invite to my PERSONAL Facebook and other profiles. I do this because Facebook and other networks can provide varied environments for getting to know someone beyond just Twitter.
Shortly after sending my brief DM to this individual, I received the following response.
“Social Media Expert. I have a rule Auto DM asking me to connect on Facebook get unfollowed. Get a website or blog. Be real.”
This from a professional PR/Social Media Consultant and a purported “Pro Blogger”.
I politely replied with something to the effect of: “As a matter of fact I am real. I would be very careful how you DIS engage new followers on Twitter (insert person’s name). “ Since they had already unfollowed, I decided to go ahead and call them out with the same message in my feed.
So, this little post is just a little reminder that not everybody who consults or says they are a pro at Social Media are. If you are a PR Professional, be careful that your previous attitudes and quirks aren’t brought into the Social space. If you are new to Social Media and are coming from another profession, be patient with people and make sure you know what you know. Realize that at the heart of Social Media is the Human. Would you assume things and kill a business relationship like that outside of the social graph? I think not!
Why would anyone want to hire a Public Relations “Pro” or Social Media “Consultant” that so quickly burns a connection so flippantly? Don’t shoot yourself in the foot!
Robert M. Caruso
@fondalo
Founder/CEO – Bundle Post
