Social Media Lessons From My Irish Roots

The Irish have a long tradition with words. Writers and poets like Joyce, Wilde & Yeats all come from the Emerald Isle. Long said to hold “The Gift of the Gab” , the people of Ireland are known to have a biting wit and an often satirical nature.  The lyrical language goes back for generations and has sprouted many quotes & sayings still used today. Did you realize how some of those sayings carry over into the modern world in both social media and blogging? Here are 3 quotes and my favorite word in the Gaelic language to explain:

“Everyone is wise until he speaks.” – Irish Drinking Toast

Just about everyone has posted something that they have regretted. It only takes a moment to run spell check or have a second pair of eyes look at your blog before posting. Manage multiple accounts? Double check you are posting in the correct feed before you hit send. You have created a reputation for yourself, maintain it well.

“Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.” – Oliver Goldsmith

The internet is a big place filled with every variety of person and opinion you can imagine. Unfortunately, a part of this mix includes trolls. Some trolls will make it their business to slander and defame a person or business online. Your best defense is to not “feed” them by engaging in a war of words. Just continue to produce the best content you can, most people will be able to tell the difference from the absurd and the true. “The best defense is a good offence”

“Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.” – Sean O’Casey

Social media and the Blogosphere are not like putting pen to paper.  Once something is released to the internet, it is there forever. You can block, mark private, disable right click copy etc. but there are always ways for things to sneak out. You have to remember that the content you produce can leave a permanent mark. When representing yourself as a personal brand, or someone else’s business brand, you have to keep reputation in mind.

Craic – (pronounced: krak) is a term variously meaning news, gossip, fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation

Social Media is supposed to be fun. Keep that in mind when using is for business purposes.  No one has fun being barraged with your ads and self promotion. Engage. Be a part of the conversation. Get to know the people of your community and share. Learn about what they are interested in and participate in educating and learning along with them. Never take the fun out of your corporate accounts, let the communities get to know you and show a real personality.

I’ll leave you with an Irish toast:

“Wherever you go and whatever you do,

May the luck of the Irish be there with you”

‘Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!’

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

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