"We all want. But we are not ready yet"

The more talks about social media are held in Ukraine, the more clear is the situation when top-management is not ready to change their own stereotypes. They see the people, they see the competitors, they see examples from abroad, but when you point them on the necessity, on the opportunity, on the FACTS - they say, "well, we want the same thing. But we are not ready to spend our time". It's strange and ridiculous.

Even in podcasts (like PRPodcast from HOSHVA Agency) we can hear mentions of companies and PR-agencies which say "well, this sort of tools like SMM ones is not effective in Ukraine" while they use Facebook everyday for playing casual Flash-games. Do you think it's possible to play Mafia game, chat with colleagues through Facebook and look through websites with prices and lists of goods while saying "this doesn't wok for our people"? Who do you think you are, aliens from Mars? If it "works" for you, for your opinion, for your deeds and thoughts, why the hell do you consider average common people with ADSL-cable and PC to be a stupid consumer who still "piss on" TV commercials?

"We all want to be represented via web 2.0". Excellent, folks! "But we are not ready to communicate via Twitter, Facebook etc. because [blablabla-blabla-blabla].." It sounds like an old Jewish anecdote  "God, give me money, give me money, dear God, I prayed for the wellness and prosperity for years, give me please...- (voice From Above)- Moishe!! How the hell can I give you money? Go and buy a lottery ticket or just go to your job!"

We want to be there but the way nobody can notice we are. Excellent. If Starbucks, Microsoft, Apple and Ford acted like you do, they'd completely lose "the game" with social media. It's impossible to keep "neutrality" towards your own brand in web 2.0 society.

Some companies say they have nothing to write about so they don't need a corporate blog or SM-profile, they just need "some promotion". If you've got nothing to say, WTH are you still on the market? Do you think this is the most effective way you can cope with competitors - just seat and watch while they are doing something in SMM? If you don't talk for your brand, people might start doing this instead, and than you'll have to fix the troubles (like it was with Domino Pizza in the US or with MacFoxy in Ukraine).

So the only problem here is to realize, that your clients want some kind of your social media presence. And you must be ready.