Canada Welcomes The World…

There is nothing like the Olympic Games to bring the world together.  Over 80 countries have gathered to compete, demonstrate their skills and share their culture and friendship.   I am a huge fan of the Olympic Games.  This year as I watched some of my favorite sports,  I was struck by how many similarities there are between the Games and Social Media. Here are my top 7 ways the Olympics mirror the Social Media landscape.

1. Strategy: Whether you are a curling team vying for a gold medal or a business owner keen to grow their business, a comprehensive, well thought out strategy is key to your success. One wonders what strategy the Norwegian team was using when they chose these pants however LOL!  The good news is, as a business manager, you can opt for something a little less flashy!

2. Coaching: Few athletes will reach the top of the world’s standings without the assistance of a great coach.  So too for marketing your business in the social media realm.  There are so many applications, so many opportunities, that using the services of a skilled Social Media Specialist, is recommended for your success.

3. Focus: Olympians have a very regimented training schedule and they have a razor sharp focus on attaining their dream – that of an Olympic gold medal.  In Social Media, it is easy to get distracted in the myriad of applications out there.  Staying focused on the defined objectives is half the battle.

4. Commitment: Long track speed skaters can have thighs that measure 70 cms (that’s 27.5″) in circumference.  And that’s each thigh!  No one gets that big without rigorous training and commitment to their sport. To say nothing of the fact that they likely need to have their pants custom made!  Businesses wishing to get involved in social media should know that overnight success is doubtful. It requires a commitment to the process and a willingness to stay the course.

5. Adaptiveness: Short track speed skating takes place at a blistering pace.  With competition nipping at their ‘heels’, a skater needs to stay on their ‘toes’ as change happens very quickly.  So too in the Social Media space.  With technology changes and new applications on our doorstep almost daily, it’s important to stay current and be able to adapt quickly to changing trends.

6. Approachability: You see many athletes being great ambassadors of their sport.  Featured here is Canadian Gold and Silver Medalist Jennifer Heil, trying to explain the concept of Mogul skiing to a group of Rwandans. Wonder how that went? Approachability is so important in Social Media.  Becoming known as an expert in your field and an approachable one at that is a key component to your success.

7. Community: As I said in the beginning,the Olympic Games have the unique ability to unite the world.  This year as the torch passed through Canada, 12,000 torchbearers had the honor of carrying the flame through 1037 communities uniting its peoples as its magic burned bright.  Social Media has also become a bright light in the marketing world, going mainstream, extremely viral and carrying with it, the ability to speak to your audience 24/7. Building relationships is what it’s all about!

I would love to get your feedback. What is your favorite Olympic sport? Mine is definitely short track skating. Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv.  That’s great for all you bloggers out there. Leave a comment and you can leave a link back to your own blog!  But you don’t have to be a blogger to leave a comment. I’d love to hear from all of you.

Enjoy the rest of the Olympics! Cheer on your favorite athletes and your country.  For me, yup, I’m a proud Canadian – GO CANADA!

While physically located in Newmarket Ontario where I live with my family, as a VA, I’m virtually yours anywhere….

Joanne