Guest post: What can your business learn from Richard Sherman’s social media boom?

Not only does MultiView produce targeted, industry specific news briefs – but it also contains a whole catalog of exclusive articles for those industries as well.  3-D printing?  Porches?  Workplace stress?  The library runs the gamut.  Check out the latest from our very own Julie Bernhard who discusses how Richard Sherman’s Legion of Boom can help your business become the Legion of Whom.

Regardless of your sports affiliation, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman was the man of the hour Sunday night. The game-winning interception Sherman tipped to Malcolm Smith was a shot-heard-round-the-world, immediately crushing all 49er fans hopes of a trip to the Super Bowl.

Fans of both teams alike can agree the game was a nail-biter, with plenty of excitement — and players’ mouths — running well past the game clock. Unless you are a dedicated sports fan, your interest in the game was probably mediocre. That was, until, the social media world piqued your curiosity.

Immediately following the final whistle, every Facebook, Vine and Twitter feed dropped mentions of the Seahawks cornerback — and it wasn’t because of his moves. In a postgame interview with Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews, Sherman let the world know why no one puts Richard in the corner.

“I’m the best corner in the game,” Sherman shouted. “When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s the result you gonna get. Don’t you ever talk about me. … Don’t you open your mouth about the best or I’m gonna shut it for you real quick.”

While taunting your opponent is not necessarily the classiest way to gain household notoriety, small businesses and brands can take a page out of his marketing playbook. Sherman didn’t just seize his moment, he commanded its attention. He left everyone asking, “Who is this guy?”

Tweeters and Facebook friends alike all offered their opinion on his off-the-cuff statement ranging from their total infatuation to their utter disgust. #RichardSherman ignited a social media salvo. Whether it was intentional or not, it had all eyes — and tweets — on the game.

Sherman’s reaction, regardless of opinion, was publicity gold. It awoke the attention of even the least-invested viewers, curious as to what the fuss was all about. He instantly went from what could have just been ESPN’s play of the week to quite possibly this year’s most talked about athlete.

Commanding the audience’s attention is a swim upstream — especially one that now has a thousand avenues to reach it. From banners to impressions to Pinterest pins, the communication channels are endless. Market establishment and research used to be enough to provoke sales (and win football audiences) but thanks to social media, it is imperative you get your fans #talking to keep the brand alive.

Clearly, every day at the office will not involve the “game-winning interception,” but there will never be a shortage of opportunity to “run your mouth.” Recognizing these opportunities is lot like football practice. Both build toward the ultimate goal of winning — whether it is a game or new customers. If you have a great practice, there is a very good chance you’ll have a great game.

Do your customers know what makes you “the best in the game”? You might have the moves, but do you also, have the boom?