Over the last few days, my social feeds have been filled with news and experiences about Pokémon Go.

The new geo-driven game allows users to catch Pokémon in their surroundings. Pokémon trainers travel their neighborhoods, parks, and cities for a chance to capture, battle and train Pokémon. Maybe it was the nostalgia or I wanted to jump on the bandwagon but I downloaded the game. After 5 days I was hooked and it has become one of my favorite social networking platforms… yes, you read that correctly.

Pokémon Go: Lessons in SOCIAL Networking

Social networks are applications that allow users to communicate with each other and Pokémon Go has done just that. In fact, in its short time, it has taught me some of the most impactful lessons on SOCIAL media.

Lesson 1: Find Your Team

As I walked around my neighborhood I found my second Pokémon, Rattata, and began tossing Poké balls to capture it. A group walking, who were also on the hunt, began giving me suggestions and a quick breakdown of the game. Next thing I know we were walking around strategically looking for Pokémon. Alongside the trainers I reached level 5 and was able to choose a team. Coincidentally, the team I chose also included most of the current group.

Social media networks work the same. When you begin exploring the social media world you have to find your team or tribe.

These are individuals whom you share common interests or work in similar fields/industries. Depending on the platform, search for keywords or hashtags to find your team.

Lesson 2: Engage

On the suggestion of fellow trainers, I was encouraged to hunt at a local university.

On campus, I was surrounded by several 100 (not exaggerating) student trainers searching their campus for Pokémon. I met and talked to individuals and asked questions and shared article links on tracking Pokémon. Through the hour-long hunt, I joined groups and had conversations about the game but also other commonalities we discovered.

Conversations matter on social media. It is sharing thoughts, article,s and links not for the purpose of adding to the noise but as tools to drive conversations.

No matter your social media goals of sales, networking or recruiting, it starts with building relationships.

Lesson 3: Work together

Poké Gyms are what the game is really about. Gyms locations are where you train and battle your Pokémon. Capturing and defending a gym can’t be done alone. Through my previous hunts, I was added to a Facebook group and received requests to help protect/capture a gym.

A strong social strategy doesn’t rely on self-promotion. Instead, most of the content from those with the strongest social presence share content that isn’t theirs but aligns with their brand.

It’s about working together to add value to your online communities and often that value is found in content created by others. The mutual relationship of sharing each other’s blogs, videos and articles will grow your social media influence and support your social media goals.

Although Pokémon Go is still new and like my Rattata, now Raticate, it will evolve. I am excited to see what social aspects develop, whether it’s through the platform itself or at the Poké stop at my favorite park.

What has been your experience with Pokémon Go? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

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