Two things it’s easy to forget with social media
- Tue, February 07 2012
- Filed under: Social networking and web 2.0
In the reactive, fast-moving, turbulent world of social media, it’s easy to be swept up with a sense of false urgency. Yet two of the most valuable things you can do involve slowing down:
1. Pausing to think. Before you run off to spend time on a channel, you want to figure out WHO you’re trying to reach online, WHERE they are, and HOW to best communicate with them. A little intentionality now saves oodles of lost time later.
2 Stopping to listen. Really listen. It’s so tempting to fire off a response or jump into a conversation. But before you do, pay close attention to what’s being said and the emotional tenor involved. Acknowledge it, respect it and then join the conversation. You can learn far more in consciously listening to your constituency than you ever will in reading the pronouncements of gurus. We must see and hear others with the same energy we exert on seeking recognition of ourselves.
When it comes to connection, which social media is all about, we need the ears and eyes of others paired with our own to be complete.
Comments
It’s easy to forget since social media engagement can happen so quickly. Also, your post reminded me of mine from the Social Media for Nonprofits event we both presented at: http://www.connectioncafe.com/posts/2012/01-january/social-media-4-nonprofits.html
Great points, that have been brought out. Who was to know that these two points would be so important on the social media world.