The digital landscape is abundant with incredible industry thought leaders sharing the knowledge and best practices in social media. The circle of influencers crest the lists of who to follow and how to engage them.
- You admire them.
- You follow them.
- You learn from them.
- You implement their suggestions.
- You share and comment on their posts.
- You believe it is a mutual give and take to build deep relationships and connections.
Social media is BEING social not doing social. Right? It isn’t an automated robotic act of verbal diarrhea to gain and maintain a following. You will surely lose if that is your strategy. You are dealing with real live human beings behind the keystrokes. While we are a push button society, get things done, do it fast; building relationships is a one on one personal endeavor and no amount of sterile replies or automated apps will generate authentic connections.
If your job is content and social media marketing then try to live as a good example of a digital citizen. Christian Vanek
Get real. Be real.
BUT, how does the little guy fair in this vast sea of legendary experts? Is it like swimming with the sharks or do you have the same opportunity to engage in unpretentious dialog?
Are you able to be noticed or shuffled amongst the minnows until you become one of the bigger swimmers?
You will find that many will respond in kind, a quick thank you but there isn’t always an extensive amount of back and forth. Maybe more courtesy replies if you will.
“I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity.” Julius Erving
Your challenge may be to continue prompting the conversations to further deepen your experience and connection with your esteemed colleagues. Have the empowering discussions, becoming more educated and learning from “the best” in the industry. It helps you and your business.
- Be engaging
- Add value
- Ask questions
- Share other people’s content
- Express gratitude
- Be a giver
- Make introductions
- Connect within your community
- Emulate those who inspire you
- Remember to always respond to others
What happens when there is no reply? (Don’t take it personally!)
The Social Disconnect
Does that influence your impression of the individual or impact your level of engagement?
It seems like it would be a dichotomy.
How do these respected professionals write and talk about the essence of social media and relationship marketing, yet they don’t put forth the same? Shouldn’t their actions back up their words? Like Daniel Newman said: Social Media Pundits (Mostly) Suck At Engagement
The problem is the proclamation of engagement as a key part of success in social media. If you think about it when it comes to this group that talks engagement but doesn’t really do it, it starts to just sound like a bunch of kumbayya stuff and not at all like a real strategy. Almost like a “Wag The Dog” strategy for the small circle of elite that want to keep you looking left while they are building their empires on the right.
This is great topic that is worthy of discussion and honest exchange. For me, the goal is to be relevant by providing meaningful information that can help someone. ( i work hard at it.) The path of great leadership is about purpose-how can I make the world better, What can I bring to the marketplace that is truly valued.
Real “Thought Leaders” and “Experts don’t need to self proclaim their wonderfulness with meaningless titles.
Good article Suzie !
Thank you Bill!
You are most certainly a leader in the industry, a role model.
If all would engage, respond, respect and value, it would clearly present the true meaning of social media, no matter who you are or what you do.
Hi, Suzie – I see you covered respect here, too : )
The greatest value and dynamic the social web provides is that of genuine connection.
The brain simply does not know if the person you’re speaking over Skype is sitting right in front of you, or is another whole world away…
You can connect with people at the body level, where intuition, trust, buying decisions, and so much more takes place, through communication systems that virtually connect us with every human being on the planet.
If you invest yourself in relationship building with this truth in mind & purpose – you can develop life-changing relationships, start amazing new businesses, build and be part of amazing communities of the finest human-beings on planet earth.
Loving your work, Suzie : )
Thank you Mark.So eloquently spoken.
I completely agree. I have been fortunate to create some of the most treasured relationships online with friends, clients, colleagues and mentors. Living from an authentic space with true heart, respect and value for others is the key to the foundation. I love my virtual family. :]
I am honored Mark!! Best day to you my friend.
Great Post Suzie – I recently learned the value first hand of social relationships and how those relationships have grown even though they are in a virtual sense. I am firm believer in interaction and relationships, its has always been something I cherished being one who enjoys a variety of friendships, thoughts and ideas. I think many people get frustrated when first starting out because of the low level of interaction from the mega social stars but building your own tribe and building relationships with other minnows can surely build into a large school of big fish before you know it 🙂
Thanks as always for the insight and reminder to keep it real and value the relationships.
Thank you Ed!!
You are right on the mark – as always. Build your school of authentic fishes in the sea and your community will thrive, as will your deepest connections.
Enjoy your day Ed.
Thank you for being part of my virtual world.