For those of you living under a rock, longtime member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons passed away at the age of 69 a few weeks ago from complications following a stroke. In honor of The Big Man’s passing, I give you now … Springsteen on Social Media Marketing.

“Is that you, baby, or just a brilliant disguise?"
Song: Brilliant Disguise

What It Means for Social Media Users: Quite simply, be yourself. No disguises---no matter how brilliant they may be. It is vital to be yourself and transparent at all times ... else you will be found out and banished to Jungleland.

“You can't start a fire without a spark.”
Song: Dancing in the Dark


What It Means for Social Media Users: I know you want to get to a million Twitter followers at warp speed, but unless you are Charlie Sheen who skipped the sparks and went right to raging inferno, you need to take your time, create that spark, that buzz, and build your network. After all, this is the Land of Hopes and Dreams.

“Well now, I'm no hero, that's understood.”
Song: Thunder Road


What It Means For Social Media Users: It means this is just one man’s opinion I am sharing with you. A very tongue-in-cheek opinion. Just remember, there is no such thing as a social media expert. If anyone tells you they’re a social media expert kindly ask them to Fade Away.

“Honey, I want the heart, I want the soul, I want control right now.”
Song: Badlands

What It Means For Social Media Users: If you’re a business owner, company, advertiser, etc and have the idea that you can control the conversation in the social media world, you will very soon be a Dead Man (or Woman) Walkin’.

“No retreat, baby no surrender.”
Song: No Surrender

What It Means For Social Media Users: Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s also true. In the world of social media, you can’t surrender, you can’t give up and you surely can’t retreat. You have to remain consistent and vigilant because hey, after all, you are Working On A Dream.

“When the change was made uptown and the Big Man joined the band.”
Song: Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out




What It Means For Social Media Users: Not a damn thing … just wanted to end this with a salute and tribute to Clarence.

Rest in peace, Big Man.


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Baby, We Were Born to Market: Springsteen on Social Media Marketing

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Named one of the Top 100 Influencers In Social Media (#41) by Social Technology Review and a Top 50 Social Media Blogger by Kred, Steve Olenski is a senior content strategist at Responsys, a leading global provider of on-demand email and cross-channel marketing solutions.

He has worked on everything from a Super Bowl TV spot to a Mom and Pop radio spot---and all points in between. He doesn't drink. He doesn't smoke. He doesn't use foul lang... well, he doesn't drink or smoke.

He is a naturally curious and opinionated person who's had to fight his way (sometimes literally) for everything he's achieved professionally. And if it were not for his rock (AKA his wife), he would not be here today. He would still be stocking shelves, not that there's anything wrong with that... 

Follow @steveolenski on Twitter