At the same time, we are talking about SM and its use in our member communications. Not necessarily a ‘you should do this’, more of a ‘here’s some issues in health care and social media use and you might be interested’ kind of form. I think a number of associations have an opportunity to be a resource to members new to these areas or to the issues for their profession.

I know my comments deviate a bit from the intent of your piece. My hope is that associations don’t think about SM only in the context of reaching members, and only in the context of marketing.

You’re preaching to the choir, of course, with me. I love that you realized your efforts weren’t paying off so you stopped, or at least re-calibrated your efforts. Many would say “we can’t stop using [insert Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin group] because everyone knows you HAVE to be using social media.” No point in doing something if it doesn’t make sense for your audience. But to be able to determine if it’s right for your audience you need to at least try it and know what/how to measure to see if your efforts are paying off.

Here at my (not so new now) association, I have started a few social media things, but am not putting huge time into them because our members aren’t spending their time on them.

J’comprend

I participated in the hope that the company’s logo would show in the video and provide some free viral marketing. I also participated in it because it was fun and a great break from regular show activities. As of today it has hit 10,000 views. Not large by other Flash Mob Dance standards, but significant just the same.

Yes there was a rehearsal video and early that morning people who were interested in participating had a room they could go to for practice, and I know that I wouldn’t have participated with out that opportunity to practice.

I can tell you that those who participated loved it, those who watched seemed to be enjoying it and at 10,000 views and still going, I believe that the NRA show received some viral marketing that it wouldn’t have received otherwise.

Will it bring any more people to the NRA show? Probably not, but would I would also ask if more people participate in a Flash Mob Dance next year? No Doubt! Why, because it was just fun, whether you can dance or not.

My only regret is that I did not, “dance like no one was watching”, and there was at least one individual who did, and I invite you to watch it again and see if you can pick the person out.

Feel free to go sit in a corner and be a bah humburg all by yourselves while the rest of us have some awesome fun.