Sunday, December 12, 2010

Facebook Versus Face Time

A key to both business and personal success is how well we can really connect with others. What works best to really connect with someone: Meeting in person? Calling them? Talking to them? Talking with them? Mailing them? Emailing them? Texting data/information? Sharing opinions? Sharing feelings? Sharing secrets?? The options continue to grow!

Obviously, the start of the answer is appropriately connecting using whatever resources are available. At Disney, we asked WHY we wanted to connect to determine the best option. Best long-term solution? Quality rather than quantity. And no, they are not mutually exclusive - you can have both!

Today, much is being discussed about the varying forms of social media: Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. There's nothing wrong with those tools as long as they are each considered as only a part of your efforts to truly connect.

Oftentimes, we get caught up in being so focused on a task that we forget that how the task is done is just as (many say even more) important. Appropriately including your personality in the sharing of information is what makes all the difference. After all, if there's no "you" in the interaction, then they could've gotten the information from some inanimate computer or something. "You" are not required. If that isn't unsettling, it should be.

Think about any recent interaction you've had. Here's a simple test: After the interaction, did the person know more about you, understand more clearly how you are aligned, or like you/respect you more than when they started the interaction? If not, it was probably not engaging. "You" added no special value. Your role could have been automated...and will be - unless you do something about it.

Want to improve? Here's a challenge for you: Think about the people you want to really connect with. What access methods (face-to-face, phone, email, text, social media, etc.) do they value? [Tip: Use those methods] The next time you have the opportunity, purposefully ask questions about potential ways your interests overlap. Discuss common opinions and feelings about issues that are relevant. Focus on how you interact and make sure it engages the other person.

Then watch how your connection dramatically improves.

Then watch how your business improves!

Think about it. But more importantly do something about it...today!

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