If you've been here a while, then you know I am a Packer fan.
And the story I am about to share involves the Packers, so if you rolled your eyes or thought, ugh, sports. Feel free to keep scrolling; however, I am tying this back to social media, community building, and how even I, a professional in social media, get it wrong.
Grab your popcorn, and let's go.
I have this moose that travels with me sometimes. It's not a real moose but a stuffed moose from the Packer Pro Shop. There's a story behind the moose's origins, but that's irrelevant to today's task. The moose, however, is a stand-in for a family member who can no longer travel but still wants to experience the places I experience. So the moose gets a photo; it's like the concept of Flat Stanley; the Cliff Notes of Flat Stanley is asked to take a picture with the cut-out doll and to send a letter back, either via email or regular mail, to the student recounting Flat Stanley's adventures along with the accompanying photo.
Well, the moose gets a photo to text and sends a postcard from the place.
And obviously, moose came with me on my digital detox to get the shot at Mesa Verde. When I went to post it to social media, I used the hashtag #packerseverywhere for the first time.
(This next part is where I talk about the embarrassing thing that happened.)
For so long, I had thought that #packerseverywhere was just a hashtag that trended on game days and that all of us Packer fans, who were scattered all over the place, used. I have historically clicked the hashtag so I could see all of the photos attached to it, but I had never searched for it as an account.
Until I was about to take moose to the game in Denver.
You Guys.
Packers Everywhere is the official fan club and hosts pep rallies at away games for fans. It isn't just a place to find out where there is a Packer Bar when you live or travel outside of Wisconsin!
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that #PackersEverywhere wasn't just a catchy phrase – it's an official fan club complete with events, meetups, and a whole community I never knew existed because I was too lazy to look at the ENTIRE website.
Talk about a face-palm moment! Here I was, thinking I was on top of my social media game, only to realize I'd been missing out on a goldmine of Packers fandom.
After writing this, I will probably have my birth cheesehead card revoked but it’s worth it. Since it took me, a social media connoisseur, SO long to realize this. As a die-hard Packers fan and social media professional, I thought I knew everything about connecting with fellow cheeseheads online.
I was so wrong.
Diving into the Packers Everywhere community was like entering a whole new world. This fan club had everything from tailgate parties across the country to exclusive content and merchandise.
I found myself scrolling through photos of past events, watching videos of fan gatherings, and reading stories from Packers faithful around the globe. It was a bittersweet moment – exciting to discover, but frustrating to think about all I'd missed FOR YEARS.
As I was getting on myself for being so ignorant, I couldn't help but laugh at the irony.
Here I was, a supposed social media expert, wholly disconnected from this vibrant online community centered around my favorite team. I'd missed out on meet-and-greets with Packers legends, epic watch parties, and countless opportunities to connect with fellow fans. It was a harsh reminder that in the digital age, being connected doesn't always mean being truly plugged in.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson as a social media professional: never assume you know everything about your passion. Digging deeper, researching thoroughly, and always being open to new discoveries are crucial. When you think you've seen it all, the internet has a way of surprising you.
To all my fellow Packers fans out there – and really, to fans of any team – I urge you to look beyond the surface of social media. Explore your team's official channels, dig into those hashtags, and don't be afraid to engage. You never know what incredible communities and experiences might be waiting for you just a click away.
As I embark on this new chapter of my Packers fandom as a new season starts, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and humility. It's a reminder that no matter how long you've been a fan or how savvy you think you are online, there's always something new to discover. Here's to new connections, unforgettable experiences, and many more seasons of cheering on the green and gold – this time, as part of a community I never knew I was missing.
Go Pack Go!
