People forget that the most important part of social networking is… well… being social and networking. How is it that someone who doesn’t interact with me – either online or off- finds it permissible to post information on my Facebook wall. They will often promote their upcoming book release, event, or new business venture? They have never, ever engaged with me on one single topic… ever. Yet, they have no problem asking to me like their Facebook page, support their contest or vote for their business. It’s like walking into a party, (barely) introducing yourself, then telling having that person ask you to tell everyone else in the room why their business is so great. Who would do that?
How can it be that someone who didn’t bother to take the time to ever send me so much as one single tweet, feels comfortable sending me a DM to Tweet something for them? Well, I won’t do it. If you do not socialize with me; I will not support your cause, event or business. I will promptly delete your post and may potentially block you from accessing my sites all together. Don’t tag me in the photos that I’m not actually in. Don’t post your fliers and website information to my wall. Oh, and PLEASE stop asking me to Tweet details about your event as part of your marketing strategy. But instead of just fussing about what doesn’t work, let me give you an example of what does.
For over a decade, I was a part-time aerobic instructor. For a time, I was even a personal trainer. Seven years ago I decided I didn’t want to teach anymore. I just wanted to do my day job and not worry about coming up with new routines. As a result… you guesed it… the pounds have started to creep on. My muscle mass has began to decrease at an alarming rate and I’ve lost quite a bit of bone density. I am an avid biker – clocking at least 25 miles a week – so my heart is healthy but my body is weak. So, I’ve recommitted myself to getting back into shape. I’ve been working out and using my favorite fitness apps to share my progression on Facebook and Twitter.
For the past month, a Facebook friend has been commenting on my posts, encouraging me and providing me with inspiration. As a result, I started watching his Facebook posts more closely. Come to find out… my Facebook friend, Orlando Darden Jr, is a personal trainer, has a Facebook group page and runs a FREE Bootcamp just blocks from my house. He never once, in all this time, posted one single thing about his business or occupation. He never tweeted me anything about what he does (he Tweets as @BodyFitDC). But, because he’s been social… being generally supportive and interested in my progress.. engaging with me online… I found out what he does on my own. Once I discovered he was a trainer, I joined his Bootcamp via Meetup and of course I will naturally be tweeting, blogging and doing Facebook posts about my progress and his personal training skills. He gets free marketing and promotion… organically… without having to ask.
Remember, it’s called social networking… so go ahead… start being social… start to care about the people you interact with online. Otherwise, at least in my case, I’m deleting your post from my wall – quick, fast, and in a hurry- and won’t be tweeting anything on your behalf. Oh, and in an ironic twist, I will post this blog on your wall or send it to you in a Tweet as an FYI and as free promotion for my blog. Hey, fair is fair. I’ll “see” you online!