Do you remember when using a mobile phone was just for making calls or sending that quick text message, well making calls is now hovering around number 10 on the things you use it for. 

'The Television, magazine, and news paper industries are not in the business of content, they're in the business of audience aggregation, content is a means to an end  in order to drive bigger audiences from which they can monetise those eyeballs via advertising, to do this they need to produce and serve us content that captures our attention'.

Today we can access and consume content anywhere, anytime, and on any device, we consume more content today than at anytime in history. 

Post crisis businesses that better understand how to become media companies will have a far more cost effective marketing strategy than those that don't.

You don't need me to tell you about the surge in video conferencing as a result of this crisis. Businesses around the world are using the medium to remain in contact with employees, suppliers, future customers and clients.

At a personal level we're also using it more than ever to remain in contact with family and friends. Some are using it to keep us entertained which is leading to greater sharing of 'engaging' content.

For those leaders and companies who proactively invested the time, energy and skill set to understand how best to leverage social media for something other than to simply advertise and promote themselves are proving to be the winners during what has become the biggest global crisis since WW2.

The guys and gals who are currently doing a really great job on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (many others) are without a doubt going to come out of this with a significant head start from those who prior to this crisis continued to invest in advertising rather than invest in employee advocacy training for all. 

The leaders we want to see and hear from on social media want to be seen as someone with knowledge, authority and authenticity within their field of expertise. They are people we want to feel can relate to us and vice versa

There are some amazing people on all kinds of social platforms producing and sharing some really great post.. Given there are more people working from home today than anytime in history we are also being bombarded by the hour with post, stories, and other forms of corporate content. Mea Culpa!!

We see lots of people who now have lots of time on their hands without the usual office meeting distractions (kids at home aside) and think its just about pumping out post, blogs, Vlogs, and then wondering why it isn't working so they give up. 

One of the reasons they get disheartened is they feel they don't have a big enough network. They fall into the trap of thinking that the important job title will carry them through.

As with anything, if you want to get results and be seen as someone serious at what you do requires focus, dedication, direction, and consistency wrapped up in an agreed strategic framework.

Anyone who's ever done anything worthwhile will tell you they got there with lots of self discipline, hard training, support and mentoring from people who know their stuff and stick with you through the learning stages, and provide ongoing support thereafter.

So, in a world full of content overload how can you help you to stand out?

One of the biggest bloopers I often see is people who don't have a specific audience in mind. They think that because there's 3.8 billion people on social platforms and 675 million on LinkedIn the algorithm will get your content noticed by someone - serendipity right? 

Well, from experience if you get the strategy, focus and intended audience right, that 'serendipity' will get you connected to people from all over the world who can relate to your stories, however if you get it wrong it can disconnect you from them very quickly.

It's vital that you connect 'with purpose', and no matter how brilliant you might think your service or offer is and never, ever, sell to them immediately after your first connection. 

Random connections are fine but they won't really help to get people involved in the conversations you would like to be part of. 

You need to think of the types of people and businesses that might be interested in your stories. They might be able to learn something, they might want to share it with colleagues and peer groups, but it starts with having a focused 'connection' plan.

One of the best ways to connect to others is by leveraging your first degree contacts and seeing who they might be connected to. Chances are if you are both in the same industry or sector they know people you don't.

My last point on this for now is I often see profiles pop up where the photo of that person hasn't been made visible - a picture as they say! 

You can't stay front of mind some of the time!