As humans we are social beings. This means that we place value to developing meaningful relationships. This started back in childhood when we played with other children. We wanted to be friends and make friends with others. We were interested in what the other children liked to do and the common interest we shared. We were excited about new things that we discovered through others.
The things we did to develop good relationships with others when we were children are the same things that we need to do now with our social networks. Why, because although there is technology that allows us to connect to one another in our social networks, the people are the same on either end of the technology. This means that we both are looking to develop meaningful relationships if we are interested in developing a great social network.
To be successful we need to do the same thing in our virtual relationship as we do in our face to face relationship. These points were mentioned in a recent blog post that I read by Kathryn Griffiths, (a fellow 30 day challenge blogger) and I would like to bring them to your attention. Kathryn said we should:
- Use our own picture on social networking sites not an avatar
- Use audio with your voice when possible
- Be transparent – using an e mail and other means of contact where possible
- Be open to connecting off line – in person or via phone
While I do agree with the first 2, I would like to provide an air of caution on numbers 3 and 4. We live in a different world then we did when we were growing up. This means that we need to not give out too much personal information when on social networks. Using a P.O. Box is a way to provide an address without revealing your own. This is important especially to avoid identity thief or if you have a business. Meeting people in person may not always be practical, because of the physical distance between you (living in another state or country) and this too may be unsafe. I encourage you to use caution and meet in a public place if you choose to meet in person.
There is one more format that I would like to suggest you use to connect with others online and that is video. Video allows the viewer to connect with you in a way that is stronger than a picture and audio alone. I recommend that you consider these tips when connecting with others in your social networks and I invite you read the “Virtual Relationship” post by Kathryn.
Hello Kevin,
I really enjoyed this post especially the part about being transparent. This has always been a very difficult thing for me to do. Slowly but surely I am working on building relationships and making more contacts with people. Finally, I just had to put myself out there to overcome the fear of the unknown.
Thank you for sharing thoughts on relationship building
Lydia
Lydia Hall´s last blog post ..A Lesson In Gremlins
Very good advice Kevin.
On your video point, I would add that it always helps to also show the transcript of the video – many people like to ‘speed read’ and you can’t speed read videos …
all the best
Rob
http://MidLifeOp.blogspot.com
Great blog and some useful information! 🙂
#blog30
Kate´s last blog post ..Day 7: Drama – Attack By An Energy Vampire
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your comment.
Be well,
Kevin
Great info Kevin, and Kathryn. I agree that video is a very powerful for of communication. It’s almost like speakingdirectly with someone.
Thanks Kevin
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for stopping by to comment. Looking forward to seeing you in action on a video on your blog too.
Thanks for your comment,
Kevin
Thanks Kevin for recommending my post on Virtual Relationships. As you mentioned… we are social beings and want to connect.
I agree about giving too much personal information on the net. You must know when and where to draw the line. And… it is wise to meet new people in a group setting…. like a seminar.
Thanks again!
My pleasure Kathryn,
I enjoy reading your post as well because you have great information to share.
Keep up the good work in posting.
Thanks again,
Kevin
Hi Rob,
Great comment. I like your way at looking at things, people can speed read but not speed video. I’ll be sure to use that in a future presentation and of course tell them I got it from you. 😉
Thanks so much,
Kevin
Hi Lydia,
Being transparent places you at risk of be hurt or judged by others at times. But the rewarding relationships that you discover from being transparent are well worth it.
Thanks so much for your comments Lydia,
Kevin