Social Media and Networking

There are a number of popular press stories lately on social media. Mainstream writers, who haven't already discovered the tool, are now just getting into it and writing about it. And discovering interesting things about themselves, the tools and the reaction to the whole trend.

My neighbor, Rick Wamre, the publisher of Advocate Magazine (www.advocatemag.com) pointed out in his April issues' opening remarks column about how Facebook and Twitter "might hinder us more than they help" us.

He may have a point.

While I am an advocate of social media, many of us are like Rick: note that these things are tools to help you reach out to people, not to shield you from contact. As Rick points out (and he ties the concept well to his lead story), you need to understand the balance of being constantly tethered to "just about anyone and everyone" and being alone and contemplative.

I agree, but with this qualifier: know the balance and strive to achieve it. Like the students the magazine profiled, you need to think in this life. Gather information, study it and take action. Each of those those elements doesn't work well without the other.

A case in point: as a relentless networker, just knowing the events to attend doesn't do any good if you don't go. If you don't have a strategy (study before you go, even), then you're not maximizing the experience. And if you go without knowing the right places to go or why you are going, why go at all?

As with the students in Rick's story, event when you are completely "untethered" you can still make a difference. Think what can be done if you use these tools carefully and strategically.

For Rick's whole column, visit http://www.advocatemag.com/lake-highlands/magazine/Social_media_recluse.html.

Relentless

Using social media--with caution

As many other networkers are doing these days, I've jumped on the social-media bandwagon. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter,....ah, Twitter.

I just had one of what I am sure are many distasteful experiences on Twitter. I was "spammed"by a follower. One of those, "you-can-make-money-on-the-internet-if-you-buy-into-my-scam" guys. I won't identify him or her here since that would be like giving TV time to a streaker at a baseball game.

If you are using Twitter, be sure and police who your followers are weekly or more often and block them. If you don't know them, trust them or feel it is important for them to be in contact with you, then cut them loose.

Better safe than sorry.

Relentless