Being Humble is the New Black
Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 3:48PM
Image Source: MyRecipes.com
I'm observing a pretty consistent trend that's risen at about the same velocitous rate as the social media platforms we use.
Being humble.
And while people have gotten their fifteen minutes of fame or power from creating a Twitter mob against a company or a company spending inexorbitant amounts of money to garner someone a million followers...those receive a flash of lightening of attention. However, they don't earn long-term returns with regard to respect, loyalty, or retention.
At the influencer level, very few get and stay where they are by bringing down those around them, through sense of entitlement, or by demanding that people recognize their influence. Playing the martyr may bring them more than fifteen minutes, but I'd give it twenty-five at best.
No. The companies, the brands, and influencers that have succeeded online have because they haven't been afraid of swallowing their pride, admitting when they're wrong, being accessible, and sharing what they've learned along the way.
In other words: being humble.
Need some examples to show you what I mean? I'd be glad to.
Recently, Pepsi swallowed their pride and used the hashtag, #pepsifail, after getting criticism for an iPhone app targeting single men looking to pick up women, branded with their energy drink brand AMP.
Earlier this year, UK-based Habitat Furniture found itself in a dicey situation concerning Twitter spam. They quickly admitted they were wrong and apologized.
A few examples of top influencers who make themselves accessible (while still somehow managing to have a "life"), in my opinion are: Liz Strauss, Audrey McClelland, Guy Kawasaki, Amber Naslund, and Scott Monty. (Please share in the comments who you have found most accessible in this space as well!)
And if there's one person who has humbly shared what he has learned along the way, I'd say Chris Brogan has. While the nuggets of information on his blog about his new book provide helpful information, it's his posts about observations of human nature at work and what they've taught him that speak to me the most.
I'll be discussing this topic more in depth at Social Media Weekend in Sacramento, taking place November 6-7.
Reader Comments (17)
Alli Worthington, Kelby Carr and Trisha Haas are a few of my favorites. All three have communities that they worked hard to build and really encourage plus support their members.
You're pretty humble yourself. You have always made yourself available to talk about things with me and I truly appreciate that. It's people like you that make me happy to work in the social sphere.
I would have to agree with George Jr there. When I dm'ed you a few weeks back on twitter for a little constructive criticism I didn't really expect a response. These days getting a question answered from a somebody to a nobody doesn't happen very often. I was pleasantly surprised to see how quick you were to reply! Two thumbs up my friend!
I think you are the most humble online figure/influencer I know. You know your s%^& stinks and don't act like it doesn't. You have stayed grounded and personable even though you are at events, being followed around by camera men (remember BlogHer at the SocialLuxe party)...it was weird, but you continued to talk to the people you wanted to talk to and you did not brush anyone off for a "good picture". Of all the online people that I have met, you were the one I was most excited to meet because no only have you taught me a plethora of information through your blog and by answering questions via email, Twitter, Facebook, ect, you are always there, always. You've never let me down! Thank you for being and staying YOU!
Jessica, I'm agreeing here: you are very accessible. :-)
Here's the thing I think you rock. I have no idea how you do it but personally I am in awe of someone can remain so personable in a world I am finding that makes you grow a thick skin. You make yourself accessible even though you have a wealth of knowledge and somehow in all of this still earn respect from everyone.
How the heck do you do it?
You, ScottMonty, Nikki_S, KelbyCarr, and Aronado, have all been approachable and helpful on a very personal and humble basis.
Thank you so much for including me on that list! I think being approachable is the best way someone can describe you. And I have to agree with the others... you have always and continue to be one of the most humble people I know. xoxo
I love this post. Jessica... you are also very humble and are always accessible to us. Jessica you are "real" and don't just smile to get yourself more followers. You engage with all of us, you answer our questions, you are there to help us through a bad day, you are there to help us succeed in this ever changing world. That is what I love about you. You are continuously keeping it real and not just using us to get your fame!! KUDOS Jessica!
Of course companies need to admit when they're wrong because it's essential they regain the public trust. The best PR through the ages has been the recovery of brands like Jet Blue and Tylenol (and David Letterman?) who humbly ask the public's forgiveness.
But when you're talking about influencers in general, I think it works both ways. Folks like Perez Hilton and Bill Mahar have made careers out of sharp commentary and inflated ego - that's their brand. And sheesh, look at the current crop of talk radio stars. Not to mention Sara Palin. Nice and humble doesn't always fly.
But at least here, in the digital mom space, I think the same rules apply as they do in our real life relationships. We like our relationships with real live, flawed human beings who can make mistakes too.
Meanwhile if I were Audrey McClellan I wouldn't be humble. I'd be like, "Look at my triceps beyatches" every chance I got.
Trisha Haas is one of my fav people because she has made herself so easily accessible and is pretty humble. Any of us who are a part of her community at MomDot can ask her ANYTHING and she will help us and if she can't--she will find someone who CAN! :) She is really one of the only people that I have had that experience with.
In my interactions, the following women have helped me the most in figuring out these blogging waters:
Jennifer James (MomBloggersClub), Beth (Role Mommy), Liz (Mom101), Jennifer (Snapshot) & Maria Bailey (BSM Media). All of these women are smart, funny, helpful ---and humble (as in it's not all about them). I respect each of them immensely.
I agree about Liz Strauss. With Liz I think it's her personality (and story-telling ability) coming through - which reads as absolutely genuine - that allows her to bridge the influencer / accessible gap.
I've visited her blog a lot and she uses (real) life stories as metaphors for on line and business behavior - How novel (and sad that we have to be reminded) behave online/and in business with manners and kindness. It makes you want to know her. It makes you strive to meet her expectation of you.
Tracy
Hey Jessica,
I came across your thoughts on humility while I was doing research into the very same topic for a blog post I did today about "social media experts." I really respect your contribution to the conversation around social media and its good and bad uses, and I couldn't agree more with your assertions abotu influencers needing humility.
Check out my post if you have time, I'd love to hear your thoughts. http://www.threeshipsmedia.com/page/emerging-media-needs-more-explorers-fewer-experts
Peter Wylie
Three Ships Media
Hmmm. I would have to say, You, Chris Brogan, Liz Gumbinner, You, Isabel Kallman, Audrey McClellan, You, Lori Falcon...did I mention You? LOL. Seriously. You know my feelings on that matter.
You guys are all people who've given their time and energy to halping me learn when I know there's a lot of other people wanting that same time and energy. And I appreciate it. And I never, ever forget that I wouldn't be doing so many of the things i enjoy in this space if it weren't for 2 little boys, PF Changs, and Playdoh.:) And a non-judgey, accessible mom.
And Liz- while Audrey's triceps truly are admirable, you ain't seen nothing till you've seen her ninja moves. Look OUT!
Good post. I totally think people can see through the fakeness...I love the real "people" online. Don;t you know being a snob is the new geek and being a geek is the total new cool. :) and......love the many humble people on your list and so many more.
i saw my name in the comments and was coming to see why.... thanks ladies for mentioning me. For once, not in a negative fashion. That was super kind of you and is very appreciated.
Trisha