Porcupines and Social Networks
The more that I learn and get involved with social networks, the more I realize that this behavior is taking the place of traditional human interaction. Since the creation of human existence man has not had the computer to make friends and build networks. Today we can make friends by the click of the button.
Can you do an interview the click of a button and posting some comments on a social network? The answer is no if you thought differently. You are in an interview with at least one other human being. You need to be able to master the skill of communication and what I call engagement. As human beings we are social creatures. We need and desire human interaction. What happens most of the time is that as we learn and get closer to other individuals we become more vulnerable as we share our interests, thoughts, and even feelings. If we get too close to people sometime we get pricked with their quills. When we get rubbed the wrong way and are offended, then we separate ourselves from people and become more to ourselves. It is said that the average adult has two or three close friends. That is it, two or three.
Not me, I have thousands of friends between Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. (Click on the links…I am making friends right now)
We tend to remove ourselves from real people and sit behind the computer thinking that we are doing great things with our social networks. I am not bashing social media but I am saying that we need to not loose sight of how to interact with real people. The more profound and capable technology becomes, the more we need to focus on staying in touch with the true nature of communication. Yes we may get pricked by the quills but in the interview and hiring process, I promise that it will be worth the effort.
Facebook comments:
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Hi Darren,
I’m Richard Shatto, we talked this morning on the phone. Thank you for calling. And that bridges right into this blog. I think you are absolutely right.
I have spent the last 4 months on a networking tear. Linkedin, Twitter, WordPress and soon a couple more. But, even more gratifying than connecting a few people on-line, is getting out and meeting real breathing people. And, you know what, they like it just as much as me… surprised? Here’s a story that applies:
I’m currently working hard on an opportunity for a “dream job”, The Manager of Business Development for an International Airport. I knew my resume would probably not be strong enough to get through the “high-powered” Recruiter’s initial vetting process (I was right), so I began calling friends and associates I knew; those who could introduce me to the key stakeholders for the job, namely: The Airport Manager, the City Economic Development Officer and direct hiring officer, The Chairman of the Airport’s Board of Directors, the President of the Chamber of Commerce (who is also a member of a critical regional transportation committee) and last, an influential entrepreneur and past Vice Chair of the Airport’s Board of Directors.
Result: My meeting with the Airport Manager, provided a recommendation to the EcDev Mgr; the EcDev Mgr. gave me a direct connection to the head recruiter; the President of the Chamber asked me to be his Campaign Director for this Mayoral bid (which I did, and was that a networking bonanza!); the President of the Airport Board said he’d put in a good word for me, and me and the past Airport board member (and a very wealthy, connected entrepreneur) have become close friends.
Long story, but I just thought I’d let you and your readers know, you are right. Get out and meet people, and I’ll let you in on a secret… get out of your comfort zone. Go ask for lunch someone whom you may not think would have any reason to talk to you. You just might be surprised what that risk-lunch will accomplish.
Thanks again for your call this morning Darrin, and for this great post. Keep up the great work, and I’ll get your book.
Richard Shatto
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rickshatto
P.S. I still haven’t got the call from the recruiter, but will let you know when I do and how it all comes out.
P.P.S. Darrin have you done any blogs on “Thought Leadership”, see Larry Genkin for more?
Sorry, if there are any typos or grammar errors in here, I should proof it but I’ve got face-to-face to go to. *Smile*