Using Social Media is Like Gumbo Ya Ya
As I've ventured farther into the world of social media, I've become aware of how often I am involved in multiple conversations with people. Twitter has been compared to being at a cocktail party. Facebook is like a school or family reunion. Blogging is like writing a news column, with feedback from readers being instantaeous.
It is all very exciting and reminds me of making Gumbo. I wish I could remember the source*, but I remember reading somewhere that Gumbo, or Gumbo Ya Ya, means "everybody talkin' at the same time." Take a pot, fill it with ingredients (stock, roux, sausage, shrimp, meat and the holy trinity - peppers, garlic, and celery), simmer it until all the ingredients start to dance, and you've got your gumbo. And that is absolutely the description I would use if someone asks what it is like to use the social media of today. Everybody is talking at the same time.
So, for those of you who have jumped into the pot and are bubbling around in the gumbo, welcome! And for those of you who have only thrown a couple of celery bits into the pot, come on in - the gumbo is fine. So very fine!
Keep on with your Gumbo Ya Ya, everyone.
* It was possibly a Tom Robbins book, or one of the Ya Ya Sisterhood books by Rebecca Wells. Or, it may have been a New Orleans cookbook. If you happen to know what I am talking about, please let me know so I can give proper credit.
Is your REALTOR making the most of today's technology?
TEXT "64745" to 79564 for an example of the latest component of my property marketing machine.
Kathryn Acciari, REALTOR
RE/MAX Professional Associates
49 Main Street
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Cell: (508) 982-0686
Email: kathrynacciari@remax.net
Web site: Search for Homes
Blog: Real Estate Blog
Community web site: All About Sturbridge
Text copyright 2010 Kathryn J. Acciari
Twitter: @kacciari
Strengthening the Massachusetts Real Estate Market One Property at a Time
Hi Kathryn - Yep, if have fun tweeps on Twitter, it's much like a cocktail party. Nice post, but can't remember where the Gumbo reference comes from either.--Sara
I would agree...it is a bit of everything!
iTexas: Twitter is fun, isn't it?
Lisa: Yes - and you can add whatever you like to the mix.
I'm LOVING my Twitter. So many ppl don't get it or use it, but I'm having real fun with it and meeting new people to network with/learn from.
We should go have a cup of coffee at the Sturbridge Coffee House sometime Kathryn. I feel like I know you from your social media, but we've never been properly acquainted. =)
Sincerely,
Kathleen
You are right on the money. Those thoughts are basically the way I look at each of them.
Hi Kathryn - That's a great metaphor. And lucky for me, I like both New Orleans cuisine and social media.
Kathleen: Twitter is fun - I feel happy whenever I log on. Thank for the invite - will get in touch with ya!
Ellen: Great minds... :->
John: Sounds like you have great taste!
Kathryn - Now you've done it - I am truly hungry after reading this post. :) Terrific analogy.
Oh yes....some of everything!
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Kathryn--As a fellow Massachusetts person, I feel like blogging is liberation. Within limits, i can write on what I wish and write for whomever I wish. I am a lawyer,a nd I try to get some information in front of non-lawyers so they can learn about my profession and understand my point of view. Heck, sometimes it even works!!!
Elliott Topkins
www.topkinsandbevans.com
Jason: Get out your pot and start cooking!
Patricia: It's always an interesting mix.
Elliott: Nice to hear from you, and I for one certanly welcome input from attorneys.
Gumbo is better after it simmers for a time and you keep adding a little more pepper a little more cayenne and finally lots of character. Social networking taste better after you have tried a little spoonful and have decided to jump into the pot.
Kathryn, we have a restaurant here that sells Gumbo Ya Ya.
Macs in Saline, yummy but hot.
Great analogies in this post.
Sabrina: You are so right. Let that gumbo bubble away, and the spices really start to meld. Yumbo!
Missy: Macs sounds like a place I need to visit. A nice bowl of gumbo would be perfect right now.
...and to whomever marked this post for a feature - Thank you, so kind!
Gumbo Ya Ya, huh? What is that? That doesn't sound too good. But blogging is good, and all such stuff like that there.
Hi Kathryn -- I'm still in the "looking at the recipe" stage! :) Great analogy and I'm always up for gumbo!
Good analogy. But in this day and age we must learn to enjoy gumbo or we will be left behind with a bad taste in our mouth and undernourished.
Spicey it is ! In all aspects.
How cool is it that we can invite others in with the touch of few buttons.
Now I'm on a mission to find the gumbo ya ya source -- or is this it ?
Kathryn:
This is a very apt description of what goes on in social media - everyone talking at once. We just have to hope that someone is listening.
It can be quite hard to be heard when everyone is talking at once...
A little bit of different ingridients and everybody can be happy, a little of this, a little of that, more of that less of this and everyone is in the mix. Great post. Thank you
Jean Richer
Ottawa, ON
I like your Gumbo concept. How about just googling the term and see what search results come up in this search for the original quote.
Kathryn - great comparison, I love New Orleans, Gumbo and Social Media.
Gumbo and Social Media... when done right, they both taste so good!:)
We can build a really good Gumbo together. I love it when someone posts a problem, and everyone chimes in to help.
I don't know where you got the statement, but I totally understand where it comes from having been a round family gumbo making many times. How about the okra?
Good points! I am finding less and less use for Twitter lately though. I am seeing that those who twitter don't ever do anything else!
good points - I find facebook is like running into an old friend somewhere - you say hi, catch up and then usually move on
Kyle: Gumbo is wonderful. Just a pot full of good stuff and fun to put together!
Chris: Sometimes it also takes a little experimenting to get the recipe that is just right for you.
Paul: Definitely. It will probably be an acquired taste for some, eh?
Valesca: Still haven't found the source, but I know I read it in a book.
Ryan: You haven't tried MY gumbo yet. Hee hee!
Claudette: Listening...luckily there is usually someone out there with an ear to the noise.
Brian: You're right about that!
Jean: Oh, for sure. You have to make your own concoction.
Cheryl: Well, that would be too easy!
Megan: I do too.
JB: Oh yes, they do.
Christine: It's just one of those sayings that has stuck with me. Okra, sometimes I use it, sometimes not. It is not always available up here.
Damon: Twitter does have more of a tendency for frittering the time away. Best for desk-job types.
Randall: That's interesting. Or, even just running into someone in town from time to time.