Better late then never... My takeaway on social media from the film Chef

If you haven't had the good fortune of seeing this independent gem, Chef is about a man who loses his passion and joy for life, but finds it after he starts cooking on his own food truck. It sounds like a film for foodies, but it’s actually a film for communication nerds like me. The movie also center around the relationship between a father and his son.

Relationships are a part of my portfolio at work. I’m a Member Relations and Communications Manager; I communicate with members on a daily basis. I listen, try to understand and help them find the information that they’re looking for. But you may still wonder what the heck does this have to do with the film? Everything.

Chef speaks to me as a professional. It’s about how to communicate to make relationships work. I am trusted to connect with members through different communication mediums. Social media is one of those mediums. This heart-warming film gives us a great sense of the good and bad things about social media.

Social media also moves the plot along seamlessly. Twitter is a vital comedic device. It builds tension between the main character and his antagonist.  YouTube sets the scene for another haha moment. Finally, a compilation of vines created by one of the characters marks the turning point of the storyline. The film reminds us that social media is another way to connect with a loved one, friend or a stranger.

It establishes relationships and creates community demonstrating the positive influences of social media. Meanwhile, the film subtly re-iterates the simple message that communication is key. This is my takeaway as a communicator. I want to share, engage and build trusting relationships with people. It’s integral to what I do. As the main character puts it, "I get to touch people's lives with what I do. It keeps me going and I love it. I want to share it with you."