Around The Corner Blog

"Own the Moment"

I recently saw a series of newspaper ads with the tagline:  “Own the Moment.”  The content of the ads didn’t interest me, but the phrase got me thinking.

I started thinking about how social media---and the tools we all use to engage and interact online---is really all about “owning the moment.”

Social media revolves around conversations---and Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Blogs, are the highways we travel during our conversations.  At any given moment, there are unlimited conversations happening across Internet. 

However, during all of these online conversations, there is always someone, some group, issue, movement or brand that owns the moment.

Currently, actor Charlie Sheen owns the moment on Twitter, racking up over a million users in one day, after a single tweet.  Like him or not, his unprecedented climb and popularity in this medium is incredible, and he quickly realized the power of social media to propel his message. 

Last month, Egyptians owned the moment on Facebook as they took to the streets in protest of their government and to advocate for change.  Facebook, and Twitter as well, provided the means for these brave citizens to raise awareness and compel an historic revolution.

Recently, on the Today Show, I saw a story about a baby boy whose contagious laughter ,over his father ripping up a job rejection letter, entranced millions of viewers on YouTube---propelling the young family to instant fame.  It is safe to say this little baby, however silly it seemed at the time his dad filmed him, owned the moment on YouTube.

Almost four years ago, President Obama (then candidate Obama) owned the moment online with his presidential campaign.  And there are countless examples of how the Internet allows common folks to achieve instant stardom, fame or make history. 

These are exciting times to be alive, and to watch how all our lives change because of a moving Tweet, an unforgettable Facebook post or photo, or a funny YouTube video that captures our imagination and taps our collective humanity. 

So this brings me to my ultimate question, in this post: How can you raise awareness or promote an issue using social media and the Internet?  How can you promote your business, your cause or your campaign---and own the moment?