Social Media: Discovered or Exposed
In 2004, I was a part of a Christian rap group. We were one of the first groups in our area to break out and make a name for ourselves in a place that virtually had no identity.We were able to travel a good bit, headline concerts and conferences that ultimately took what we did to a national stage.
In our hometown, we were able to make a real difference in our community by starting small bible studies, performing at events and parties, and hitting the streets by passing out flyers and putting up posters that let people know who we were and what we were about. Being out in public led to many ministry opportunities.We became extremely popular in our area and in many other cities and states as well.
Now, I’m stating this not to brag, but to teach you a very valuable lesson…We were able to obtain and sustain this level of success WITHOUT A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE. Now, I do understand that times are changing and social media is an integral part of our society now. I’m well aware of the few people around the globe that have become huge stars by being discovered on YouTube. Understand this, that there are hundreds, if not thousands, and maybe millions of recording artists trying to be discovered by Social Media. So your chances diminish greatly with each passing hour.If that is your primary goal, then you’re not ministering anyway.
The goal is to use social media as a TOOL to preach the Gospel, but that’s not my point for this week’s message.
There is a huge misconception about this thing called social media. First, let’s zero in on the first word. “Social”
Yes, this new social media age has connected the world in an amazing way. In the matter of 10 to 12 years, we have become connected to each other, but in reality, we have become less social beings. At any social gathering, you can find, on average, at least 75% of the participants on their phones or devices rather than face to face, enjoying each other’s company. That’s crazy to me how Social Media and Online Marketing has caused us to be less social and more lazy in our everyday lives. Still Not The Point Of This Week’s Message, LOL! I acknowledge that social media and online marketing is a powerful tool…But it’s just a tool. One Tool. Not Even Your PRIMARY tool.
The concept of “Physical Connection” still exists in our industry. There is no substitute for Physical Connection with your supporters/fans.Matthew 28:19 says, “Go Ye Therefore, and Teach All Nations”.
Emphasis in the word “GO”. Not stay at home on your phone, computer, or device…
Remember, there is no substitute for Physical Connection.This is the solution: Do Both… Online and Offline Marketing, But Use your online marketing to promote your offline efforts.Imagine if the group I was in accomplished what we did offline, and added it with an online marketing campaign? Our influence would have greatly increased.If you are doing little offline efforts to succeed, you have already fallen behind. But it’s not too late to make the proper adjustments to achieve your dreams and goals.That is the proper way to use Social Media.Some Critical Questions to
Ask Yourself This Week:
1. What efforts am I giving to my career “away” from the internet?
2. How can I increase my “offline” efforts and publicize it online?
3. Why am I consuming “more” content than I am releasing online?
Remember: No matter what you have done, where you came from, or what challenges you had to face, you can make a difference with your words and with your musical career.
It’s YOUR Time! We’re just getting started!Until Next Time… #KeepPressin
