Quote from Mike DiLorenzo

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"Social networks aren't about Web sites. 

They're about experiences" 

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In 2009 Mike Dilorenzo who at the time worked for the NHL as their Social Media Marketing Direct, was quoted saying "Social networks aren't about Web sites.  They're about experiences."  His quote has since been re-quoted, re-posted, re-tweeted and you name it, over and over again.  Mike was trying to get the point across, when you go to a social network site you are looking or should be looking for an experience, but these are not just a web site.

Look at it in terms of the Brick and Mortar world, if you said, at 123 Parsons Lane there is a building, who would really care.  Those people might conjure images such as this one(on right), an old abandoned place, not too exciting.

But, if you told me at 123 Parsons Lane their is the HOTTEST new dance club that all the celebs and who's who in town go to, well, that's an experience I don't want to miss.  I'll text all my gal pals and let them know we MUST go there.


Personally, I like to check into my social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn) to see what's happening with my friends, family colleagues and community.  I'm always curious to see, what are the most Liked images on Pinterest, because I want to know what's in, and who's changed jobs, or their professional picture on LinkedIn.  What I'm really saying is, I hang-out at these sites, for HOURS a day!  It's not about going to these companies web sites, it's about visiting a social network and learning that my friend got engaged this past weekend, I got goose bumps.

I was at thesocialskinny.com site, were, this September, Cara listed 216 Social Media and Internet Statistics.  Here are a few I liked that support WHY it's all about the experience.

• 83% of people believe platforms like Twitter and Facebook help them make new friends
• 40% of people spend more time socializing online than they do face-to-face (source: AllTwitter)
• 80% of active internet users visit social networks and blogs (Source: AllTwitter)
• companies that blog have 55% more website visitors

Business wise, when I discuss with my customer what we'll do with their social networking sites, our conversation aren't around promoting product, or providing static information.  Rather it's about how we'll engage the community of cyclist, and we'll do that by offering an experience to them.  We post pictures and videos that are relevant to them, we post updates about others in the community,and they in turn comment and keep coming back.  It's then complimented with physical visits to the store to augment or compliment the online(social networking) experience.