2 Way Communication - Use It Or Lose It
Originally, this idea came about because of an experience I had with a local blogger. As noted in the original post on LoudClick.net, my comment in reaction to a post went un-acknowledged despite my best effort to engage with the author. Apparently, my thought was not of sufficient interest for a response. Or so I thought. After looking through the entire blog, I noted there were no comments on any of the posts. As a result of this discovery, I unfollowed this person on Twitter and unsubscribed to their RSS.
As with most things in the wild west of social media, learning as we go is the name of the game. In this experience I learned how important it is to check a blog out before commenting. If the author doesn't include comments, it's a sign that there may not be much engagement going on - I won't waste my time commenting on something in this situation. On the other hand, it could be a signal that it's a fairly new blog - in which case I'll cut them some slack and comment if the spirit moves me. Do your research and you will discover who is worth your time and who is not.
Back to the story...
Months after the original snubbing post comment experience, I had the opportunity to meet the author of the blog in person. I didn't initially put 2 and 2 together (I'm kinda lame that way ;-). We had a 15 minute conversation during which they didn't seem the least but interested in my thoughts; spending the majority of our time together talking about themselves. It was only after we went our separate ways that I realized this was the author of the blog in question. Lightening bolt - this behavior was their personality! Their blog reflected them perfectly as the broadcasting bore they are in real life. It was an "ah-ha" moment in the extreme.
The moral of the story is that you need to cultivate your online conversations in a way that reflects your in-person conversations. This means you need to conduct yourself in a way that makes you attractive to others. Don't be a broadcast bore. Don't only talk about yourself, Don't forget to say thank you now and then. And most importantly, think of two way communications as worthy of your time and energy. If you don't, you will lose out on the value of maintaining relationships.
Two Way Conversations Use 'em or Lose 'em
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Much has been said of the importance of two way conversations online - the very core of social media offering the ability to build genuine relationships with potential friends and customers. Yet some continue to see this as a one way street... Read More
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The moral of the story is that you need to cultivate your online conversations in a way that reflects your in-person conversations. This means you need to conduct yourself in a way that makes you attractive to others. Don't be a broadcast bore. Don't only talk about yourself, Don't forget to say thank you now and then. And most importantly, think of two way communications as worthy of your time and energy. If you don't, you will lose out on the value of maintaining relationships.
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