I was sprawled out on the couch chatting with @Alexa about Colin Browning’s blog “Barack, Inc: Let’s Go Change the World” when I saw the following post pop up on Twitter from Chris Brogan.
Chris’s kudos to @northernchick immediately made me think back to Barack Obama’s victory speech in November when the name David Plouffe was met with a roar of approval.
What is the connection? Obama is now the most powerful man in the world while Mr. Brogan is your friendly neighborhood social networking guru. But the connection is simple-both men are master motivators. They reward great contributions through recognition, acknowledgement and a boost to the ego. It is psychology 101- rewarding acceptable behavior will stimulate similar behaviors in the future.
The fundamental success of both business and entertainment social networking projects revolve around the leaders of the projects ability to stoke the egos of its members to contribute and stay engaged. Forget hammering the value proposition of the community home (that falls in line with brand recognition-a post for another day), once they are involved- how does one keep the members engaged and empowered? It starts with empowerment and recognition. All great leaders are able to rally, empower and motivate. Both Obama and Chris Brogan are successful in the same way.
If you are starting down a social networking path or having limited success with your existing project, start thinking about a Recognition Rewards program. I will have future posts about how those rewards programs can motivate and empower the egos of your constituents. Before you know it, you might be as motivational as the fine chaps I referenced in this post and acheiving the business objectives you set out to conquer.
Hey, great blog. Its too true that we don’t always show how much we appreciate others’ help. I read somewhere that the #1 complaint people have about their job is no recognition for their hard work. I know in my own managerial experience that even when someone was threatening to quit over money, thanking them and showing my thanks for their hard work often smoothed things over better than a raise ever did.
Great comparison and very true what your saying about motivating an audience. It’s easy to overlook such similarities–GOOD EYE!!
Well holy cats. I can’t say that I’m willing to say I’m like Barack. Seems like a change to get the “You are no Jack Kennedy” speech of my life. That said, thanks.
You’ve pretty much nailed it. Be nice. Beget niceness. Seems easy, and yet… : )
Amazing how many folks don’t do it.
Very cool post, well said! I see it even in just the tiniest venues, acknowledgment of a job well done is key