Why You Should Make A New Year’s Social Networking Resolution
Think back on this past year: What had the greatest positive impact on the way you pursue professional endeavors?
I’ll bet plenty of you say social networking. Of the ways people advanced their careers in 2009, it’s number one with a bullet.
Twitter rose like a rocket and was named word of the year. Facebook has in excess of 350 million members and LinkedIn is in the 50 million range.
It’s all about exponential growth: One member entices others to join, who in turn solicit even more people, and so it goes, and keeps going.
Engaging at a distance
Social networks offer many benefits; one of the biggies being the ability to reach any number of people who share similar interests. You tweet, join Facebook groups, get involved in LinkedIn discussions, and so forth, to engage with followers, friends and colleagues.
How very nice. You’re being social.
But it’s all at a distance.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Even so, I propose making a resolution for the coming year to get more social with cyber acquaintances. Have an honest to goodness conversation, and meet, in person, some of the people you’ve come to know online.
Connect in the real world
This thought came to mind after I had a nice long chat with a Twitter pal named Avi. We’ve been following our respective public tweets, retweeting one another and occasionally direct messaging. Avi lives in the Middle East, I’m in the U.S.A. We’re both into web 2.0/social/digital media strategy and technology in general. From just those 140-character messages it’s clear Avi is an insightful, warm and thoughtful person. Part of his Twitter profile reads “believe in giving and help,” so what does that tell you?
Our conversation occurred after I tweeted Avi to let him know I’m working on a post about communications trends for 2010. I asked if he had any thoughts on the topic. He quickly tweeted back; yes, he’d be happy to share, and did I have five minutes for Skype?
I was pleasantly surprised by the offer. Of course I’d love to talk to my faraway friend.
But first I had to get hooked up with Skype, which as it turns out, is quick and simple to do.
Soon we were chatting up a storm. About communications trends, how different our cultures are, and much more. It was immensely enjoyable.
We’re still far apart geographically. However, Avi and I now share a closer connection. He’s not simply a face I see in a photo, but rather a genuine person that I can, from time to time, speak to in real repartee.
Make a resolution to establish more personal engagement in 2010
Avi is one of several individuals I’ve originally encountered through social networks and have subsequently spoken to over the phone. I’ve also met some internet pals in person. It’s great fun and adds another dimension to our relationship.
I highly recommend reaching out to some of your digital acquaintances in 2010. If they’re an international call, check out Skype — as noted, it’s snap to use, not to mention free.
So how about a New Year’s resolution to make your networking even more social through authentic personal engagement?
– Deni Kasrel
Are you up for making this New Year’s resolution? Do you have a story to share about becoming more personally engaged with an online connection? Comments welcome.
The Communications Strategist 
Hi Deni, I have seen a lot of bloggers talking about predictions and most have them have quite same thoughts, but thanks to you for talking about resolutions.
My resolution would be to engage with people online as I do it offline as I have learnt a lot this debut year in social media.
Happy Holidays !!
Akash Sharma
December 18, 2009
Ha, you’ve turned it around. Right, you are, it’s a two-way street. Glad you’re benefiting from social media, and FYI, we’re all learning a lot because it’s constantly changing.
Deni Kasrel
December 18, 2009
I’ve also read a lot of blogs about predictions for 2010, but this is the first one I’ve come accross regarding a social networking resolution. I love your suggestions and I too will try to “get more social with cyber acquaintances”. Perhaps I will also try to connect with people on more niche social networking sites. Thanks for the idea!
Planetwebfoot
December 18, 2009