I love the new Netball Australia #RethinkRoleModels campaign and video created in partnership with Samsung Australia.

If you haven’t seen it, watch it here before continuing, you won’t be disappointed.

I love many things about it, but what I love most (which I guess makes sense!) is the fact that they took the time to add social media communication elements.

[Yes it’s supported by Samsung, so including their phones being used by fans and athletes interacting makes sense. That’s fine.]

But what I saw during those brief seconds during the overall narrative was so impactful.

It was authentic and powerful communication and interaction between athlete and aspiring athlete, captured in a few words and Emojis.

Some might say, ‘That’s not much of a special interaction?’ Really? Not enough communication for you? Have you communicated with a teenager lately? A ‘like’ can mean the world! Then you add on a flexed arm emoji and look out!

There is no telling what a simple interaction and acknowledgement like this can spark. ‘Laura Geitz knows I exist. She gets me. If she can do it, why not me?’

Athletes hold so much power in their ability to reach out and interact to positively impact, or be ‘social on social media’ so it was just terrific to see it being implemented and highlighted.

It’s a topic I focus on throughout my book, ‘Social Media Scouting Report: Helping Athletes To Shine Online’.

The amazing things that athletes like Laura Geitz, Sharni Layton, Caitlin Bassett, Kimberley Ravaillion and Paige Hadley are achieving everyday through their dedication, perseverance, grit and hard-work are inspiring and motivating to those who see it, just like the young girl in this story.

What seems routine and ‘usual’ to athletes, can be just the type of motivation and inspiration that sparks a future Australian representative to push to that next level, to wake up on that cold morning, and get out there and keep developing…

What an opportunity.

Each ‘RethinkRoleModel’ has also had a ‘social media makeover’ with strong calls to action, as well as individualised inspirational short video with accompanying hashtag. For Sharni Layton, it’s #ProveThemWrong. Check it out at her Facebook Page.

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