Social Media Monday—What FINDING BIGFOOT Taught Me About Growing My Social Media Network

by Edie Melson

I have a dark secret to confess.

I’m a HUGE Finding Bigfoot fan. I don’t watch many reality television shows, but I never miss an episode of this show. No, I’m not a particular Bigfoot believer or naysayer. I’ve never had a Bigfoot encounter. Truthfully, I’m at as much of a loss to explain my fascination as my long-suffering husband is.

A new season is about to begin (June 6) and as my husband begins to roll his eyes and make disparaging remarks, I feel my own excitement building.

So in anticipation of the upcoming evenings with Bobo, Ranae, Matt and Cliff, I’m going to share what this show has taught me about growing my social media network.

1. Sharing your passion can make you irresistible. I really think it’s the four BFRO (Bigfoot Field Research Organization) members who keep me coming back episode after episode. The same magic can happen when you open yourself up and let others see your passion through social media.

2. Expertise doesn’t always look the part. These guys don’t look like what you might think researchers should look like. But they have decades of experience with this one subject. We each have different life experiences and those have made us experts in unlikely ways. Embrace that expertise and share it with those you interact with through social media.

3. Keep it real. These four, and others who appear with them, aren’t worried about looking foolish or even a little bit silly. They are who they are and they’re not trying to be anything else. The social media audience today is skeptical and can spot a fake a mile away. This isn’t the place to be fake.

4. The real joy is in the journey. Truthfully, I think finding irrefutable evidence of Bigfoot might be just a bit anticlimactic at this point. The same can be said of social media. There’s no magic number of followers or interactions that signals an end to the journey. The point IS the journey.

5. Embrace the slang. These shows have spawned a lot of additions to popular slang—from the now common acronym BFRO to Squatch, the slang term for Bigfoot. Speaking the language is part of being in the club. The same is true for social media. Learn the lingo and join the fun.

6. Don’t take yourself too seriously. These cast member know that for all their expertise, they’re still searching for Bigfoot. On social media, it’s important not to take ourselves too seriously either. Lighten up and don’t be afraid to show some of the goofy things you do. (Like being a huge fan of Finding Bigfoot!)

7. Treat others with respect, no matter how far-out their ideas. Part of the premise for the show involves interacting with others who’ve had Bigfoot sightings. Some of those interviewed are a wee-bit less than credible. But they are always treated with respect. There are all kinds of folks on social media. Respect them, no matter whether or not you agree with them.

8. Sharing the journey with like-minded people makes all the difference. These are four unlikely sojourners, but they share the same passion. Their camaraderie is part of the allure of the show. Banding together with others on social media can increase your reach and help you out when your own numbers falter.

9. Never give up. These Bigfoot hunters have been at this for years. With social media, numbers will ebb and flow. The ONLY way to fail, though, it to quit.

Now it’s your turn. Are you a fan of Finding Bigfoot or another random show? Share your passion here and lets take a little light-hearted joy in the journey!

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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What #FindingBigfoot Taught Me About Growing My Social MediaNetwork – via #socialmedia mentor @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Don’t take yourself too seriously & other things I learnedabout #SocialMedia from #FindingBigfoot – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)