Shhhh...

Just as we had to learn growing up that when someone is talking we in turn need to be quiet and listen attentively before talking, this lesson is a crucial one for "tapping into the Groundswell". 

Chapters 4-6 describe why and how companies need to interact with the Groundswell. A major point that I particularly reflected on was that listening is key to understanding and effectively participating in the Groundswell. Listening is so important because in order to be strategic about moving your company into the Groundswell, you have to be aware about what people are talking about and how they are reacting to your products or service. If you're product is getting bad reviews the thing to do is probably not to jump into the Groundswell full force because it will end up amplifying the negative. Listening is a huge strategy because it shows you when to act and when not to. Not to mention when you listen you will only be better equipped to respond and talk within it.

That moves us to the next point, talking too plays a major role in the Groundswell. After listening to what's going on in the Groundswell the next step is to interact and talk. This step is extremely important because it is key to spreading your message. 

Combining these things helps to effectively place yourself or your company within the Groundswell.

Keep An Ear Out

What makes someone influential? Is it the number of followers they have, how interactive they are, how often they dispel information? Listening seems to be a major factor in identifying influencers. All three articles this week- Unveiling the New Influencers, New Approaches for Analyzing Influence on Twitter, and Social Media Reading- Influencers- mentioned how crucial listening is in identifying influencers as well as becoming an effective influencer.

Listening is so crucial in identifying influncers not only because it will become clear who is out there talking about your topic but listening also intensifies your own ability to understand the main issues and to respond accordingly.  "Social Media Reading- Influencers" makes reference to the elephant ear being "the art of customer listening". In other words this is saying that listening intently to customers online is key. If you listen intently you will be able to find patterns among individuals who serve as influencers and will be more capable of distinguishing between them and people who are just boasting information.

The article explaining "New approaches for Analyzing Influence on Twitter," discusses how influencers are not just those that have the most followers but rather those that are consistent in responding to and re-tweeting information.

The message expressed in these articles is first to listen and observe what and who might be influencers online and that through attentive listening you are compelled to comment accordingly and become an influencer yourself.