I am convinced that the internet was created in order to make us feel worse about ourselves.
Sure…there have been some incredible benefits. As an example, I know of one high school friend who took to social media in search of a kidney. That may be the closest I ever get to something going “viral”, just short of January travel when everyone I know comes back from the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas as sick as a dog.
Okay, me. Primarily me. But I know of others, too.
Beyond this, if you spend any amount of time on social media, you will see school chums, ex-loves, former business associates…all having better lives than you. Their children are well behaved, their careers are better than they’d ever dreamed, they weigh the same as they did when you first met, and their hair is perfect. You read all this while wiping donut frosting off the same sweatshirt you’ve been wearing for two (or is it three?) days.
One recurring theme I see online is that we need to project a better public image. A more positive, approachable version. It is said that no one wants to hang around negative people…well, what about OTHER negative people?
If you follow me at all on Facebook or Twitter, or even read my blog at mikeschenker.com, you know that I can come off as a bit snarky or sarcastic. That’s probably because I am (brace yourself) snarky and sarcastic. Always have been…I somehow doubt that some online expert is going to suddenly make me change my ways.
The truth of the matter is that both my son and daughter-in-law are social media coaches…which is probably why you never see them interact with me on social media. I have a feeling that I’m their white whale…the one that got away. The two of them always show such upbeat, cheerful personas (by the way, I checked…he really is my son), and I suspect that my grumpy disposition is an embarrassment to them.
Believe me…I’ve spent a lot of time on this, soul-searching and trying to determine if, in fact, I have a soul. The jury is still out on that.
I know that, should I try to modify this way of working/writing/speaking, I’d cause a lot of concern amongst the readership and lose about half of my fanbase. Yes…both of you!
I get it…this is who I am and this is why you follow me (wow…I hate how that sounds. “Follow me”, like I’m a cult leader. Or even a business leader!) or regularly read my drivel. I honestly think many people read my stuff in order to feel better about themselves.
Here’s the thing: that’s my brand. If you spend any time with me in real life, you’d know this. I lead the laughing at me and with me. Happy, shiny people are a dime a dozen. What the world needs is a counterpoint to their points, and that’s where I come in.
What about you…what sets you apart? What’s your brand? If I were to drop your name now to a mutual friend, how would they describe you? Is that an image that you like? Are you comfortable with that impression of you?
I’m good with mine, if the truth be known. You must be okay with it too, as you read this whole blog!
Mike Schenker, MAS, is the executive director of the Gold Coast Promotional Products Association (GCPPA), as well as “all that” at Mike Schenker, Consulting. He is a promotional industry veteran and member of the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) Hall of Fame. He can be reached at mike@mikeschenker.com.