There are many PR folks who believe we’re in the image business.
I respectfully disagree.
When I think of an image, I imagine something impersonal, static, iconic – a Hollywood invention. It’s a manufactured likeness and not very authentic. I sure wouldn’t want to start a conversation with one.
Worrying about your image seems like an old fashioned preoccupation with external perception; akin to gazing through a store window rather than enjoying the shopping experience inside. It’s more about how you look for your close-up (is my hair alright?) than who you are.
We all know social media is about personal connections. That’s what makes it such a powerful way to engage. It’s our human voices with their idiosyncracies, charm, knowledge, questions and foibles that are relevant, real and believable and can build the kinds of relationships that bring a brand to life. Much better than simply admiring it from afar.
So let’s take down the pedestal and smash the graven image of the image. And focus our attention on personality instead.
What do you think?
Martin, this is a really interesting question. But it’s my opinion that we all, individually and collectively, craft our images each day. Nobody puts EVERYthing out there. We “curate” ourselves. Social media (at least the way I see it) makes the world like a job interview. You want to be at your best.
That being said, there are times when I am honest about a failing, a problem, a challenge. Not “on image,” probably. Unless my “image” is about being human.