Oprah On Facebook and Twitter: Bring On More Global Leaders
I’ve been eager for Oprah to join the Twitterverse for some time. As you can see by this fun comic strip I made back on September 24, 2008, my cartoon self was enthusiastically encouraging cartoon Oprah to join Facebook and Twitter!!
Yesterday on the Oprah and Friends show, even with celeb guest Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk on Twitter) and Twitter’s CEO Evan Williams (@ev), Oprah seemed to be getting to grips with what exactly Twitter is, how to use it, why anyone would want such a large following (one million plus) and what to say! But, I do believe she’s starting to catch the vision.
Here’s the thing: can you imagine the even bigger difference we can make on the planet individually and collectively when more and more visionaries, enlightened leaders and luminaries fully integrate the power of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter?!
On Monday, I had the absolute privilege of leading a social media webinar for the Transformational Leadership Council (TLC), with cofounders and members including Jack Canfield, Marie Diamond, DC Cordova, John Assaraf, Raymond Aaron, Hale Dwoskin, Ivan Misner, Donna Steinhorn, Jim Bunch, and many more. I am deeply moved at the power of what I’m starting to call Conscious Social Media and Mindful Tweeting.
See, everything matters. Everything counts. It’s all energy. It’s the ripple effect, or the BUTTERFLY EFFECT.
“The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale alterations of events. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different.” [From Wikipedia]
What if more people on Twitter and Facebook really stopped to think about their messages and how much impact even one tweet or Facebook wall post, for example, can make to a person’s life?
I actually believe having a large following — online or offline, but particularly through social media due to the rapid uptake — is a big responsibility. But not responsibility from a point of burden, but of joy and purpose. Surely we can use these mediums to create more good.
I’d love to hear your thoughts below: do you think social media is helping to transform the world? To raise the consciousness of the planet? Do you think those who are already global leaders and have large followings outside of social media have a greater responsibility when joining sites like Twitter? Do you have any wonderful stories to share of how something has touched your life through social media?
I loved the blog. Like I told my sister, Twitter is a love fest – I see is as a kin transformational tool. It is very cool to be able to meet people in such a minimalist way from all over the globe and connect and follow and actually create great relationships from casual peeps to JVs, coaches, clients, bus ops, education, friends and colleagues. As far as visionary people tweeting. I think we’re all visionary people. I’d love to see ophrah tweeting – about going for a run. Your article had a spiritual quality and passion that I love. Thank you Mari, Anne (Coach Paradise)
I agree with Tony Bennion’s comment about ‘well known personalities or global leaders’ responsibilities when it comes to their playing their part in the social media playground. I do believe that the social media landscape is greatly influencing and transforming how we communicate with each other. What a great tool it has been in giving us the opportunity to learn so much more about others, and so quickly. Social media is a significantly powerful and fast moving influence on all those who choose to participate in it.
Hi Mari,
I don’t think it is yet. Once one of those conscious leaders get the idea…then I think it will really start to take off.
I think it started with the youth as a fad thing, but the power is there…it just takes time for people to see it.
Even myself….a bit slow on the uptake.
Tracy
Yes, based on what I have seen so far I think social media has started and will continue to play a vital role in raising the consciousness of the planet. As more elevated thinkers and global thought leaders get on board there will probably be an even greater impact.
Hi Mari,
Excellent concept. This is very similar to what I wrote about in my book, The Zen of Social Media Marketing.
There is SO much power in social networks, but you have to leverage it correctly. You have to use its innate power.
I think to whom much is given, much is expected. When you have an excellent platform-you have the responsibility to use it wisely.
Together, we all have the power to change the world! : )
Shama Hyders last blog post..Why Marketing is like a 2 Handled Coffee Mug
Great post Mari! I think those with huge social followings outside Twitter have the same level of responsibility on Twitter. It’s just a different medium to communicate. Ashton Kutcher is clearly broadcasting his brand of humor and celebrity. Oprah can do the same. Other celebrities like MC Hammer are really embracing the community on Twitter, but we can’t expect all celebs to behave that way. I hope that the effect of celebs joining Twitter is to legitimize the platform as a communication vehicle, encouraging many to join and thus adding value to the conversation. Many will be bandwagon lurkers just to see what celebs do, but the more people on Twitter, the more valuable real-time information becomes. Thanks for the thoughtful post!
Adam Cohens last blog post..Celebrities Are Not Taking Over Twitter
Mari,
Once again, I’m deeply impressed with your blogging. I wholeheartedly agree that Social Media is helping to transform the world.
Other than a medium-sized group of friends I like to keep track up on Facebook, I am on Facebook and Twitter for one purpose — to carry my message and share my story of powerful transformation.
And in recent weeks since I joined Twitter, I have been amazed to find so many like minded people. People who aprpeciate my being open, inspiring and vulnerable in my posts and sharing.
What a great way to expand consciousness!!
Thanks for your inspiration and great information Mari!
~ Greg
Wow Mari,
Such tasty food for thought. I initially thought I’d say I do believe that those with social clout have a bigger responsibility to tweet and post responsibly and with authenticity and maybe a view towards having a positive impact. (Chances are those with social clout who live to do good in the world won’t need to be reminded of this.) However as you pointed out, there is the butterfly effect.
In this case we are all encouraged, dare I say mandated, to tweet generously, honestly, with a view towards the greater good of all those who might be a part of the twitterverse.
Social media is merely one aspect of creating communities and connections albeit a very powerful and fast moving one. Bringing awareness to this activity, call it tweeting with intention, sounds like a good idea to this little bird.
Thank you for bringing our attention and awareness to this timely idea.
Gregory Anne Coxs last blog post..United To Penalize Overweight Passengers?
Thank you, Mari, for this thought-provoking conversation.
I’ve held back from getting involved in social media to avoid more “noise.”
Since I’ve stuck my toe in the Twittersphere, I’ve realized that mindful tweets impact the world more positively than the noisy ones do negatively. So, I am practicing Mindful Tweeting!
Ann Strongs last blog post..Spiritual inspiriation: From the Fullness of You
Hi Mari,
Well, if you want some Mindful Tweeting you should check out LOA (Law of Attraction) tweeters #LOA #+NRG who support each other by tweeting positive reminders of how we can consciously create.
Aloha,
Eleanore Duyndam
@EFTRadio
Eleanore Duyndams last blog post..EFT Tapfest for Earth Day 2009 – Apr 22,2009