When mistakes work out for the best – the Power of Social Media

I help businesses establish Social Media campaigns and create a transparent presence on the web. I have spent countless hours writing corporate policy, establishing best-practices and teaching social media neophytes the do’s and don’ts, as well as the jargon that can be expected to be found in this arena. However – I never taught my wife….

It all started – and ended – when my wife jumped on her Facebook page and read the following: “RT @JamesAkersJr: One of my friends has cancer & is shaving her head on Sat. If I can raise $500 I am going to shave mine as well…” Experienced Twitter users know that was a forwarded message from James Akers. However, she didn’t. She mildly objected – knowing full well I have been known to do some odd things in the name of charity before. Well – before I had a chance to correct her, no less than 10 of my friends were egging me on, offering to donate money to the cause. So I agreed to do it…

Bald is Beautiful!

What makes this story unique is this. I have never met James – except via Twitter. His friend (who shall remain nameless) is suffering from Stage 3 stomach cancer – and up until 2 days ago, I didn’t know her name. Social Media is intended to connect people with common interests, create a communication channel that is nearly instantaneous, and establish a level of trust and transparency through this open communication. As a business using SocMed, sometimes the goal is to create a “viral” response. I felt James’ pain for his friend through his tweets and decided if I already had support to go for it.

As of today, nearly $500 has been raised to help this woman with her medical expenses. Yes, a small sum given the costs to treat such a dreaded disease. But the fact that this started because of a single post on Twitter and has reached out to a group of people from all corners of the country is simply amazing.

That my friends, is the power of Social Media…