What Does The Deposed Dictators From The Arab Spring Have In Common With Some Businesses?

A little interesting thought I like to briefly share on the branding forum I attended on Wednesday night.  And the question asked was what Mubarak and Gadaffi both have in common with some businesses today?

Well, both have failed to recognize the power of social media or are failing to recognize its potentials.

First, social media use in the US and other parts of the free world is vastly different from those say in the Arab Spring countries. Today, almost everyone's on Twitter or Facebook - individuals, countries, and businesses. Initially, we all use Facebook and Twitter to stay connected and to stay on top of things.  Here, Europe, Asia or the Middle East.

But while our use of social media is evolving albeit slower now, the users in Egpyt and other countries began to recognize that social platforms are not merely to stay in touch with relatives overseas but also to find like minded people within their own countries.  Hence, when one individual tweets he hate his ruler, suddenly, others begin to say the same thing and, suddenly, everyone no longer think that their political opinions are unique and they are no longer alone.

Again, this is a short thought.  This goes for individuals like celebrities or businesses.  If you're not in Twitterverse or connecting with fans or customers on Google+, you're losing an opportunity to make an intimate connection that is value for your popularity, goods or services and may eventually mean how success one becomes.

That's for businesses.  For dictators, well, I'm sure Syria's Assad or any other despots will find out the hard way.  And turning off the Internet or erecting a great firewall ain't gonna work.