The Entrepreneur and Social Media Gratification

The Internet has allowed its users several benefits – the benefit of on-hand information, the benefit of access to utility services and the benefit of constant social interaction, to name a few.

The benefit of social interaction is provided by the social media tools available on the internet. Better known as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn etc, these social media websites are a popular source of entertainment, information and interaction.

It has allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family transcending the boundaries of geographical distance. It has also allowed us to become our own media.

As user-generated content floods our social media timelines, we cannot help but notice the interest and coverage many of us get for our posts, our work or just a display picture!

Social media is one of the most exciting (and arguably addictive) features of the internet revolution. It allows all of us to tell everyone about our feelings, opinions and achievements.

Early morning, the number of Facebook ‘likes’ on our newly changed display picture can set the tone for the rest of our day. It is said by researchers that humans are hardwired to want things.

This is called gratification. Over the social media portals, this is referred to as social media gratification.

Like everyone else, several entrepreneurs also love getting recognised on social media. It may take bigger forms than a simple display picture for an entrepreneur.

Gratification for an entrepreneur can be translated into a media coverage of his start-up or himself. It could also mean winning awards on public platforms either through a paid deal or an unpaid, hard-earned appreciation.

Similarly, a swarm of Instagram likes, Facebook page followers or YouTube subscribers can provide an entrepreneur with a ‘social media gratification’ kick.

While those things can have some value to an entrepreneur and his venture, entrepreneurs need to remember that these elements are largely meant for a show-purpose only and should not be valued out of proportion by them.

Not that this gratification is all bad. Social media can help entrepreneurs develop a connect with the audience and network with other entrepreneurs and investors.

Being popular on social media and being featured is a form of brand communication for the firm in fact. However, as the old adage goes, too much of a thing is bad.

Focus excessively on social media gratification may divert an entrepreneur’s attention from the core business.

It may appear that all is well on the front as ‘likes’ soars and followers’ count increases from hundreds to thousands to even more, but this is just false gratification if it becomes a majority of an entrepreneur’s effort.

Besides, there are negative and dangerous after effects of extreme social media usage. Simon Sinek, motivational speaker and author explained on the Larry King show how millennials are affected by social media.

Born at the turn of the millennium, millennials are a generation that came of age in an era when internet and social media boomed. His biggest concern about them is their unfettered access to social media.

He mentions social media to be as addictive as alcohol, drugs and gambling. The need to check their social timeline and look for instant gratification through it has millennials getting up in the morning and checking their phone the first thing.

Therein lies a dangerous addiction that can affect a person’s mental and physical health, his work and his relationships.

Entrepreneurs, like everyone else, can fall into the same trap.

And when in spite of all the social media traction their venture might receive, their businesses still don’t work, it is not just the end of a business, it is the end of an entrepreneur’s spirit and passion.

Hence, it is critical that entrepreneurs do not get carried away by social media’s instant gratification.

They should retain their focus on their core business, which needs actual hard work with great planning and execution in hiring a good team, building marketable products and services and reaching a sustainable and scalable business model.

Life of an entrepreneur is tough. Getting a business up and running takes long hours, sleepless nights and utmost dedication to the start-up.

It is important to keep the eyes on the prize, real business traction when there is so much at stake.

– Team CAN