— mr. brain

I’m often labeled “The Social Media Guy”. And more often than not I let this moniker pass unchallenged. Why? Because it’s part true I guess. However, it’s part false as well. My knowledge base and range of expertise is in creating consumer engagement, whether it be in mobile, display, social media, or even out of home.  But too often I get introduced or brought into situation with clients and introduced as “the social media guy”.

So what’s the problem? None, except if you’re the social media champion in your organization and all of a sudden I show up wearing the social media guy badge. Its your badge, not mine. You’ve worked hard for months, even years building your base, implementing internal policies, creating playbooks, and building teams. You’ve earned adoption across the board inside your organization and now you’re introduced to me. The guy from the Agency, the social media guy. This situation sucks, and I never realized it until recently.

Lets be honest, the first thought from me would be; “Who the hell is this guy?  This is my house. I’ve built it and now you’re coming in and telling me how to paint the walls”. This creates tension, animosity and is downright insulting to the in-house champion.  The environment will inevitably become rife with resentment and great ideas and collaborative efforts will get shot to hell. All over a simple introduction, that on the surface seemed cordial but in reality was more of a back hand then a handshake.

So I’ve decided anytime I’m introduced or brought in as “The Social Media Guy”, I will swiftly and politely correct this to “Adam, and I’m here to help you”. I’m here to help period. I’m not here to invade, to impress, to cut your grass in any way. I’m here to help, to build, and to succeed.

And if you are too, awesome. Let’s do epic shit.