Who doesn't like a good story? And when the storytelling is delivered by a great storyteller it's definitely a win-win! Now, we've all heard the stereotypes. The millennial generation cares only about themselves. But with social media, the opportunities to think beyond one’s self, and do good for others, are endless.
So how does one go from being the self-absorbed millennial to the social butterfly who uses storytelling for the good of many and even for business? Chris Strub, a millennial speaker and storyteller extraordinaire shares how social media can be used for good in this episode of The Digital Slice Podcast.
The Transformation
Chris Strub is the CEO of I Am Here, LLC, a consulting agency using social media to do social good. Like most millennials, Chris is well-versed with current technology and social media channels. While he can relate to other millennials, he has gone beyond the stereotype and emerged as a multi-talented professional who cares about others. He's a millennial keynote speaker and a mobile storyteller, and author of “50 States, 100 Days - The Book” inspiring stories about his adventure across the country promoting the social good.
Chris says, “I’ve been really really blessed to build a career that allows me to travel and to turn a lot of these online friendships into real life friendships. To me, that’s been really the most special part of the whole adventure.” And so for Chris, it's not really about the fame social media can bring but about the good he can bring to people. Social media enables Chris to meet and interact with people online just as it opens the door for him to meet them in person and build meaningful relationships. His transformation began in the summer of 2015 when he went on a solo adventure from one state to the next, connecting with different youth organizations and the people behind these non-profits who lived notable lives helping other people.
Armed only with his mobile devices, a GoPro, a selfie stick, and a dream, Chris completed his quest of 50 U.S. states in 100 days with zero corporate sponsorships and a “Honda hotel.” He stopped at nothing to tell the story of his unsponsored voluntourism, using livestreaming video and SnapChat to get his message out live and in person. It changed his life witnessing the struggles of other people and how one person’s good heart can save lives and inspire thers. He realized his passion was really anchored in the social good space and how it's the one thing he wants to do. “Really, it comes down to every interaction I have, I try and leave people feeling better about themselves and their day.”
The Motivation
Talking about his childhood, Chris says, “You are raised with a lot of those morals and those values inside you.” He was raised by his parents in an environment where caring for other people was a desirable value. In the same way, the people who surrounded him and he chose to interact with growing up influenced hos morals. He was aware of how one person is the sum of the 5 significant people in his life he spends the most time with. From people down the street, to classmates in school, to the university groups he belonged to and became active in. His journey since childhood led to the social good mission that persisted until he became the adult he is today.
The Good In Social Media
One must look past stereotypes to the positive side of social media to see the unlimited potential it has for good. It truly depends on what one uses it for and for what purpose. Chris says, “Social media really gives us an opportunity to spend time with people all around the world and gives us an opportunity to curate and to find people we really, really resonate with.”
From livestreaming to Instagram stories, SnapChat, Twitter, and Facebook, one can leverage social media for his or her unique purpose and mission in life. The beauty behind social is the technology keeps developing. And nowadays, you can build a community and join the groups that matter most to you. You can find people with whom you share the same values, similar passions, and common interests. You just have to stick with who you are as a person and allow your authenticity to shine through with others.
The Storytelling
Chris is a mobile storyteller, and he loves telling inspiring stories about the people he met. On his 50-state journey, he had the leaders of the non-profit organizations he volunteered with write on the car he drove throughout his journey, which he nicknamed his “Honda Hotel.” He wrote about these awe-inspiring personalities and the lessons they learned were written on his car. They are the people who made an impact on the lives of others who were faced with various challenges in their lives. And, when it comes to succeeding in using social media for social good, he recommends telling your story using video if you want to make a real-life impact.
Be sure to listen to this episode of The Digital Slice Podcast to get the scoop on social media for non-profits and other organizations doing good in our world! And, if you like it, leave a rating and a review!
Please note: The Friedman Group is an inbound marketing agency based in Denver, Colorado, and we work with professionals and business owners across the U.S. Our digital marketing services include: inbound marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and digital marketing strategy and implementation.
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