“Social Equity” a New Definition

Eureka!

Over the past couple of years I’ve been thinking a lot about a term that has complete relevance in the social community and online PR space. The term is “Social Equity” a phrase I have coined to express what people mean to people they interact with. In sociological terms social equity may bring to mind a groups struggle to gain racial equality or access to shared public resources. But in the context of social community, networking and online PR “Social Equity” as I define it is one person or brands value and relevance as perceived by a public internal/external, group, person or community. Think of equity as value and social is the community segment you influence or impact with your thoughts, actions, and marketing tactics. The stronger your sway on your public the greater your social equity in that public.

Think of a networking group you belong to. If you are good at what you do and people trust your opinion you may be thought of as the opinion leader in real estate, investment or legal matters. You are the guy or gal in the know. You have strong social equity in your sphere of influence when it pertains to particular subject matter. You are relevant.

The more social equity you possess the greater your influence potentially over a given person, public or audience. I enjoy Aristotle’s definition of ethos which brings clarity to the idea of social equity through his use of the term in his work Rhetoric which is an ancient Greek treatise on the art of persuasion. “Ethos is one of the three artistic proofs (pistis) modes of persuasion (other principles being logos and pathos) discussed by Aristotle in 'Rhetoric' as a component of argument. At first speakers must establish ethos. On the one hand, this can mean merely "moral competence", but Aristotle broadens this word to encompass expertise and knowledge. He expressedly remarks that ethos should be achieved only by what the speaker says, not by what people think of his character before he begins to speak.” wikipedia.org

In the world of online community most of what we know about an author is what we read, hear and see of them online. We may or may not have an indication of their real world character, beliefs, morals etc… We are left to judge the value or relevance one person has over our thoughts and ideas simply based on the words they use to articulate an argument or belief about a given topic.

I am a Social Equity Coach to my clients who seek to influence their publics and enhance their brand or personal identity online through interconnected media and social community platforms. We teach methods of influence, persuasion, PR and general marketing to small and medium sized businesses.

Give some thought to your current social equity status. How much do people invest in your opinions and thoughts. Would you like to be more relevant to your customers, peers, prospects? Stick around and we will share some insightful ideas and bring some opinion leaders in this space to share their thoughts with you overtime.

Stay tuned for more great information from socialFIEND, Your Online PR/Marketing Mentor. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our YouTube channel for new Marketing Minutes. Our weekly online PR and marketing tip. You never know what you might learn.

Happy Selling!

Kenneth Knapp
Founder, CEO
socialFIEND