Keep Networking - Social and Otherwise!
Facebook, Twitter, MySpace. It seems that lots of folks are determined to stay connected to others. We have the technology to connect to our elementary school pals, that cousin you never see in Argentina, and your high school prom date. Recently I saw that the fastest growing segment on Facebook is fifty-year old women - posting pictures of their children and grandchildren all over cyberspace! Yet I can't help but wonder if this access to technological networks helps us build or maintain relationships that are as meaningful and helpful as they could be.
My business partner and friend for over 25 years, Mark Geller, doesn't "Tweet" or "Facebook." He barely uses his cell phone and knows just the basics to successfully navigate our company's computer system. Technically speaking, he is not "plugged-in." Yet Mark is the most "connected" person I know. He manages and maintains relationships in a way that benefits himself and our company. He keeps in contact with people from his undergraduate days (quite some time ago!) as well as people he met at a Chamber of Commerce event in February. He sees real value in touching base with key contacts on a regular basis - just to see how things are going, or to bounce an idea off of someone. His commitment to maintaining these relationships has allowed him the satisfaction of having a great social circle, and allowed our company to capitalize on the expertise of many learned people, and even provided us with several awesome employees!
How much time do you spend following others on Twitter, or uploading pictures of you and your friends on Facebook? Could this time be spent making a more meaningful connection? One that will bring positive energy to you or a new resource to your workplace? Is there someone you've lost contact with that would make you really happy to reconnect with? If so, send them an email or give them a call and have lunch together. The relationships you continue to nurture will bring you more than virtual rewards!
Let's stay in touch!
Tracy
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Tracy Knofla
High Impact Training
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