Yes, we know there is a deep bacon fan base in the HR community. But, we really don’t own it. This symbol is present throughout the social media and blogging community. It is the cross-over meat, the new meat, the other meat, white, red, brown, marinated, smoked meat. It is the “Six Degrees of Separation” – Kevin Bacon- world wide web of relationship-building meat.
My brother (along with a larges slice of people I follow on twitter) is in attendance at SXSW this weekend and snapped this great bacon sample give-away shot on the streets of Austin, TX. Giving away bacon? Sure! I offer this image up for those who “get it”. Bacon IS trending as a symbol that means community.
We must look at the psychology of the symbol and image. It is where my graphic design background filters into this community building conversation. Aristotle said, “Thought is impossible without an image.” The idea that bacon can be branded to mean community allows thought to bind us on common ground. Why not? There are all kinds of bacon; from the pure pork fat to the vegan imitation – we all can love that smoky flavor. Invented by the Romans around 300 BC it is an ancient food that stands the test of time. Bacon appeal crosses over generational, political and cultural divides. Could it be the new peace symbol?
I also marvel at how much team building and motivation involves marketing (aka cheerleader.) So why not have a symbol for your team? Why not market and brand your community?
Keep adding bacon as a side item to your social networking imagery. It is a symbol that binds us together.
Even more interesting, the giver of the SXSW bacon samples is #Freshbooks an online time tracking and expense service. Oh- and they are hiring too!
3 Responses
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Lyn Hoyt Says:
John- thanks for the great info from #SXSW! Great blog posts! http://ow.ly/1kaiA
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Cool Springs TN Says:
There is no finer cuisine in the world than bacon. Thick cut Applewood smoked bacon is my favorite!
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uberVU - social comments Says:
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by awardframes: Bacon as social networking symbol. Blog post on HR Bacon Hut & coverage from @johnorrfranklin at #SXSW http://ow.ly/1kaCX #HR #Bacon…
