LAF Note: This post was written by regular contributor Scott Bishop.
We all want to be part of a group.
Yes even you Gothic rebellious teen (look around you, all of your friends aren’t “conforming” either…which pretty much makes all of you the same). The need for similar companionship is ok, it’s a good thing. I know everyone is instantly flashing back to high school, don’t. You don’t need to…because social media is high-school x 10.
Well, kind of.
Social media has become the genesis of cliques. We have the Gen-Y’s, foodies, vegans, the 20-somethings, the 30-somethings, the mommys, the under 30, the conservatives, the liberals. Even the athletes come together (there is a big Runners presence on Twitter). And there are hundreds more you can add.
There are tremendous upsides to associating yourself with a group. They’re a great way to find news and information that you’re interested in. Groups help you get noticed by others in your field or demographic, and they help expose you to new writers and people you normally wouldn’t with similar interests.
We feel comfortable in these virtual spaces surrounded by peers that like reading and associating with paradigms we already think and value. But we run a risk if we never venture out from these comfortable waters.
Join a group, but don’t let yourself become confined to them. Adventure out. Get awkward and uncomfortable. Find new crowds.
Break Free From Your Virtual Comfort Zone…here’s why:
New Projects
Your talents are going to lie in differnet areas than those from a completely different group. This leads to tremendous opportunities to join up on new projects. Become active and engaged, look for opportunities to help. You’ll be surprised where they can take you.
New Paradigms
If you’re used to interacting with people that already think like you…you limit the intellectual exchanges you need for continuous growth. You don’t need people to change your opinions, but it’s always beneficial to engage in discussions that push the way you view or look at a situation.
New Tools & Technologies
There are thousands of tools available on the internet, and new tools coming out each day. Joining new crowds and exploring how they interact and solve challenges can open doors for you. Find tools that work for them, then see if there is any way to apply them in your world.
New Events = New Faces
I love going to events. But if you’re learning about events from your comfort crowd, you begin to see the same faces over and over. Even if they’re good faces, as a practice, you should make it a goal to continually meet new people. Get involved in new events…or help start your own like I did.
New Audience
At some point you’re going to tap out your resources with any group. There’s only so many times the same people can ReTweet your links and posts. There’s only so many pitches you can make to the same people before the “yes” have already said “yes”. Eventually, you need to drink from a new well.
So as comforting as it is to lay on the same blanket day after day…learn to try out something new. Even if it’s scratch at first, you’ll rarely be disappointed.
Scott S. Bishop is editor for Real Time Marketer and a marketing strategist with a specialty in social media. He is an avid blogger and active across the net. He is @thescottbishop on Twitter.
