5 Social Media Lessons You Can Learn from Bikers

Bikers are an interesting group to observe. And seeing them interact with each other and with “outsiders” has helped me learn a few tricks that can be successfully applied to social media. Anyone thinking of a successful campaign on the social web should watch them closely, learn, and then apply.

1. Once you’re in, say hello to the others

When it comes to bikers, it doesn’t matter if you know those you meet on the road. You honk, or wave your hand, or find another way to say hello. You will always get a cordial reply. No matter how new to the group you are, you will get a warm welcome. Leave all shyness behind and take the plunge, you won’t regret it. And interacting with the rest is ten times more fun than just acting like a loner.

2. It’s all about passion and sharing

All bikers love their bikes, the open road and all the sensations riding entails. They could talk about it for hours. They will tell you all about different kinds of bikes and what they are best at, they know where to go and search for the company or expertise of other bikers, and they are happily sharing all they know. And their passions and full enjoyment of the experience is just contagious.

3. Recognize the uniqueness of what you’re doing

Riding a bike is nothing like driving a car, rollerblading or taking the train. It’s a unique experience, which requires a certain set of skills, learning certain lessons and taking some precautions. It’s sometimes more dangerous, it’s more rewarding at times; it comes with a particular view on everything around you. Recognizing this uniqueness allows you to be a lot better at it.

4. As it happens with everything in life, there are risks and responsibilities

You always need to know where danger might come from, be it the dogs trying to bite you, the careless drivers who don’t see you on your bike, the wet road or the tricky mud. Knowing the risks are there, won’t prevent or control them in anyway, but you’ll be ready for them and you’ll know how to react to them and stay safe. And more importantly, you are responsible for your safety, for that of your passenger, and for those around it. Acting reckless won’t really cut it. It will just get you hurt. Sometimes badly.

5. It’s cool, but it’s not for everyone!

Not everyone should become a biker. And the coolness factor is not a good enough reason to join. If you’re in it just because your friends are doing it, but you’d rather spend your time doing something else that you’re better at and you find far more interesting and rewarding, you’ll definitely quit. But only after investing a lot of time and money into something that has nothing to do with what you want and can’t help you get it.

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16 Other Comments

This post has 20 comments

  • Ruby on wheels

    Great post – from a biker and a social media-ite (in that order!!!!!) http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubyrennie/sets/72157594462769611/

  • Alina Popescu

    A wholeheartedly thank you, from a biker wannabe and a social media addict, in that order :)

  • Barbara Swafford

    Hi Alina,

    I love your analogy between a biker and social media. What you’ve written is so very true. Joining in is what makes it fun. No time to be shy, hey?

    BTW: It was nice meeting your on Twitter. I’m now a follower and a subscriber. :)

  • Alina Popescu

    Hi Barbara and welcome to WoBM! It was indeed amazing to also meet you on twitter, as I was already a fan of your blogging :)

  • Karen Swim

    Alina, these are excellent observations! I just shared it on Facebook too. It really makes you think of how SM truly is a community with its own language, traditions, equipment and experience. It also reinforces that even in a macro community there are micro communities. Some bikers are road bikers, others off road, some are training for events, etc. All Social Media is not the same, each platform/tool is a micro community. Great thinking points Alina!

  • Friar

    “Recognize the uniqueness of what you’re doing”.

    Umm…Last time I checked, there wasn’t exactly a shortage of social media types.

    Actually, quite the opposite, I might add. ;-)

  • Alina Popescu

    Karen, you are so right about the micro communities! There are the core traits, applying to the community as a whole, and then there are these smaller groups that give it their style and direction.

    Friar, welcome! It’s not about how many there are, it’s about the specific traits of each tool or network. You wouldn’t use Twitter for the same reasons you have a blog. They are somewhat similar, as in cars and bikes both have wheels, but each of then needs to be approached individually, analyzed so that one can tell where they are different and how you can take that discovery and put it to good use.

  • Joffrey Rencontre

    Thank you for this tips, it is really good and interesting. I use them a lot and you are totally true.

  • Robert Hruzek

    Thanks for this interesting little project, Joanna! A great way to finish up the year!
    Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..All Entries: What I Learned From 2009

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Brad Shorr

    Hi Joanna, Allow me to echo Robert’s comment 100%. I really enjoyed participating and look forward to now reading these other posts, which look intriguing. Happy New Year, Joanna!
    Brad Shorr´s last blog ..It’s a Wonderful Blogosphere

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Cat Woods

    Wow, what a quick peek into some great blog posts. Thanks for doing this.
    Cat Woods´s last blog ..Fingers Never Forget

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • --Deb

    It’s posts like these that make it essential to come visiting here, Joanna. Thanks for including me on the list … picking just one is HARD. And now I need to go check out the few bloggers on this list that aren’t (yet) in my feed reader…
    –Deb´s last blog ..Highlights from 2009

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Karen Swim

    Joanna, thank you for hosting the project and allowing others to shine. You end the year as you started with giving, sharing and inspiring us all on this journey of learning. xx
    Karen Swim´s last blog ..What You Need to Know about Business in 2010

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Lillie Ammann

    Joanna,

    Thank you for this project. You always inspire us and make us think. Wishing you a joyous new year.
    Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..A Post that Matters to Me

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Naoko

    I concur, Joanna! Thanks for highlighting these posts! *bookmarks to read more later*
    Naoko´s last blog ..[Song/Lyrics] Ongaku

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Alina Popescu

    Thanks again for hosting this group writing project Joanna! It was fun and quite helpful! And I knew you were going to choose that one Lots of hugs and a great new year to you!
    Alina Popescu´s last blog ..Business Plans and Wishes for 2010

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Sara Healy

    Joanna — Thanks for expanding my Google Reader:~) There are so many interesting posts listed here and I love how you had the author say why he or she picked the post and even that you selected a quote from it. I will be busy!

    Your writing group project has obviously been a wonderful success. I wish for you many more successes and much happiness in the New Year:~)
    Sara Healy´s last blog ..New Year’s Day and an Old Roman God

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Patricia

    Wonderful post for the last day of the year and heavy rain – I have been reading all afternoon these fabulous words and phrases from so many delightful posts and offerings.

    A wonderful gift
    Patricia´s last blog ..Sparkling Tour with Bubbly Celebrations in Mind

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Grampa Ken rants and raves at Social Fix

    My best post for 2009: Viewing Life and Society at 75
    Birthday boy has some comments about arriving at the big 75 and being happy about the results of the trip here, potholes and all. I’m enjoying my relaxed life and my most valuable assets – my family. A loving wife, two perfect kids and two wonderful grandkids. WOW!

    My best for 2060 would surely be: 2059 What a Wonderful Year
    So many positive changes have occurred over the past several decades: elimination of poverty, a binding world truce banning all wars, full protection of natural resources, and the popularity of valued living. We live in such a great time; surely this will enter the history books as the era of widespread peace and happiness for all in this world. The little improvements each year have added up to so much, like the recent work week reduction to 20 hours. This has helped in our expansion of the blueberries section of our great garden, and of course more time for hiking, crafting, and other hobbies.
    Grampa Ken rants and raves at Social Fix´s last blog ..2059 What a Wonderful Year

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

  • Joanna

    Thanks everyone – glad to offer a bit of Christmas reading and some blogs you can follow in the new year

    @ Ken, thanks for chipping in with your own selection

    This comment was originally posted on Confident Writing

Trackbacks

  1. Web Media Daily – July 28, 2009
  2. Old and new tricks and issues – What I’ve learned from 2009
  3. WoBM’s Essential Lines from 2009

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