Lisa Middleton: Lessons Shakespeare taught us on social media

Shakespeare knows his social media. Just ask Lisa Middleton who is the director of marketing at the Stratford Festival that features the Bard’s works.

The Stratford Festival in my opinion is the gold standard for social profit sector social media use. In fact, they are so good that they are a model for how to use social media for marketing. Period.

That’s why I asked Lisa to speak at Social Media inspirations! that takes place one week from today.

What I love most about Stratford’s social media use is how they epitomize a key fundamental of social media: Be human. Since entering the social space, Stratford has understood that it is necessary to be, well, social. Sure they promote their plays and musicals but it’s part of a great mix and not simply pushing out advertising style messages. Rather the Stratford Festival realizes the importance of talking with people means talking like a person who recognizes people are on the other end. Conversation and relationships are emphasized.

While I credit Lisa Middleton, apparently some of the credit goes to William Shakespeare himself!

Lessons Shakespeare taught us on Social Media

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the lessons Shakespeare taught us on social media that Lisa Middleton will share at Social Media inspirations!

William Shakespeare

Be Transparent

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

All’s Well That Ends Well

“Miscarried by my fault, let my old life Be sacrificed, some hour before his time, Unto the rigour of severest law.’

Romeo and Juliet

At the end of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence admits to have been part of the plan that bought the young couple together and the tragedy that ensues. Had he, and our lovers, been more transparent it seems obvious that the bloodshed and terror that takes place would be far less likely to happen.

Taking a lesson from the Friar, we’ve applied the same measures to our social practices – we’re transparent with our interactions online.

Be Genuine

“ I can no other answer make but thanks,
And thanks, and ever thanks.”

All’s Well That Ends Well

Our social fans are one of our greatest assets – they are ticket buyers, they engage with us daily and they share the Festival with their family and friends. Since our followers mean so much to us we like to do things with no strings attached, just to let them know that we appreciate them or to thank them for their loyalty.

Be Memorable

“To be, or not to be: that is the question:”

Is there a phrase in the English language more memorable or reference than Hamlet’s famous “To be, or not to be” soliloquy?
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