"Like me!"...whether you want to or not!

In the past few years the word "Like" has taken on a whole new meaning. Instead of being more of a feeling it's become a way of giving a nod to someone or something on Facebook. And "Like Me" has become a call to action from a friend, relative, or even someone you barely know- an assignment. "You don't really know me but it would help me if you would login to your Facebook account, search for my cause, project, or company, and then click the "like" button." Does this annoy you? because it's often annoying to me...not because it's all that difficult but because I don't want my friends to buy your product if I don't really believe in it or like it.

Don't get me wrong - I click the "Like" button all the time- but it's unsolicited - which means I really cared about your idea, product, or art enough to risk telling my friends. I'm gearing up to launch a new iPad app for kids in the next month or so. Believe me - the thought of asking everyone I can reach for help is tempting but is it the right move?

I get it- the more likes you have the more successful you might become and all of us want success- but we won't be if our products aren't good enough to gain "likes" the natural way...the way "like" used to be...like when you asked your friend if they liked their burger?..."no, it was too cheesy!" I mean c'mon- you don't tell a joke and then ask, "Was that funny?" You simply don't have enough Facebook, Twitter, (insert other social media site here) fans/friends/whatever to get the kind of momentum you need to be successful by soliciting artificial love. So the artificial likes are just that - fake - and if the product isn't that good none of those "likes" will amount to anything.

As an entrepreneur I think asking a virtual stranger to "Like" your product actually weakens your brand. Actions speak louder than words so to me asking someone to give a recommendation with no regard for their true feelings says, "My product is too weak to become successful on its own so I'm going to need you to help me trick other strangers into thinking that people think my product is "the BOMB" when in reality I don't even believe in it myself.

On the other hand I'm a realist. I know that without a few early "Likes" many of your Facebook friends will never get the chance to see what you've been working on. Your worried that your Facebook post will get buried by other posts that are getting "Likes" right? This is where I think it's good to use a few of your close friends and family. These people get you and care enough to go out of their way to give your project a little push. They aren't hoping you'll fail and they'll be there for your next project. More importantly they'll be there to cheer you up if it doesn't do too well.

YouTube is the best example that ideas and products can spread like the bubonic plague. If you post a video that people find amazingly: hilarious, useful, disturbing, informative, emotional, etc. They'll do all the "Liking" for you...so much that you won't be able to control it. So be bold, original, and creative. Believe in yourself and leave the "liking" to the people that actually dig your stuff.