How's My Driving?

We've all seen the 'How's My Driving' stickers on the back of commercial vehicles.  They've been around since I was a kid.  In fact, back in the day when prank calling was still feasible, I always dreamed of prank calling those 800 numbers and making up stories.  But enough about last week, let's get back to business here... :)

The goal of the 'How's My Driving' stickers is to create accountability and provide other drivers on the road with an outlet to report reckless driving.  In essence, the sticker provides an opportunity for a conversation.

Social media is much the same way.  When a business makes a decision to start a Facebook page, a Twitter account or maybe a YouTube channel, they commit to being engaged.  The problem - they don't always (in fact, very rarely do they) have a strategy behind the commitment. 

If a business has a Facebook page and they don't respond to people's posts (either positive or negative), they are in essence posting a 'How's My Driving' sticker all over their vehicle (business) and not answering the phone.  But what if someone posts a suggestion or a negative comment on your Facebook page?  Then respond!  The sooner, the better.  What if someone posts a nice comment about your business?  Then respond!  The sooner, the better.  See the pattern here?  Otherwise, it's almost like picking up the phone to call someone, dialing their number, waiting for them to answer and then just quietly sitting there while they say 'Hello?...helllooo?'.

Social media is a two-way conversation.  When I was a kid and I'd get into a fight with my brothers, my dad would always say 'It takes two to fight'.  It didn't make much sense at the time, but now that I have two teenagers, it makes perfect sense.  The same concept applies.  In social media, it takes two!  (insert 1988 song lyrics here...better yet, a video!)