This is a collaborative post by David Spinks and Laura Fernandex.
Social Media has opened a lot of relationship and network building doors, making it easier to connect with people you might only see at conferences or have never heard of before. It’s easy to be optimistic and think social media is the best thing since Johnny Bravo (I mean, you can’t argue how awesome his hair is) but its negative might loom as the ‘honeymoon stage’ wears off.
As PR pros, we are able to communicate with ease on a daily basis. This is in person, where you can tell tone. So does the platform make a difference? How can you keep your networking efforts and relationships with people at an even keel – and not push them away in disgust?
1. Self Promotion – The Me Me Me Effect
You know the type. The person that bombards you with DMs, e-mails and @ replies about their accomplishments, are always talking about themselves, and doesn’t even realize they aren’t giving others a second thought. How can you change it? Tout someone else. Let others discover your talents – it’s much more believable if you aren’t shoving it down someone’s throat.
2. The Debbie Downer – Why Me Effect
Complain, Complain and Whine are three ‘friendly’ faces surrounding this Joe. Sure, we all have bad days. Things happen. We can complain. But if you keep doing it, you’re bound to turn people off. Mix a little positive in there, poke fun at yourself, and you’ll probably end up cheering yourself and your friends up.
3. The Needy – The Need Need Need Effect
These ones are online for one thing, and that’s your time and resources. You’ll only hear from this person when they want you to comment on their post, RT their tweet, make an introduction, give you advice etc. They’ll act like your friend, they’ll say how awesome you are, but the only reason they’re on twitter is to get the most out of you.
You’re not going to please everyone. That’s an issue we’ll all face when using social media tools…when you speak, you speak to everyone. Every once in a while, we’ll say or do something that might bother others in our social networks. Thats ok. Don’t however, let one of these “effects” rule your personality, especially when dealing with those you consider your close friends or contacts.
David Spinks and Laura Fernandex are co-moderators of #u30pro chat which is aimed at the generation gap and issues facing under 30 professionals. It is open to all ages on Twitter, Thursdays at 7 pm EST. They both like sour gummy worms.
