Being Social

Leaders understand that social networks are for being SOCIAL; which means: reaching out, connecting, maintaining and creating relationships. With rare exception, the super-majority of my actor-friends "get" this. They are engaging and funny and fun. They share, they interact -it seems to be in their DNA. Maybe because their work is all about interaction and observation.

 It is funny, I can always tell when someone from my "business world" is looking for work because they suddenly become verrrrry busy in the social world. Lots of "endorsements" and new "friends" on LinkedIN (But, surprisingly not a ton of comments or "likes" on posts.) I also see lots of postings on Facebook and Twitter but still, not a lot of reaction to others.

It's the virtual world's version of a selfish child shouting "Look at ME! Look at ME! Look at what I can do!" -OR- a boorish new acquaintance at a cocktail party outlining their list of accomplishments without pausing for a breath or asking what is going in YOUR world.

I hate to break it to you, but people can see through all that. If you can sense ANY potential or use in the world of the social network, what you're going to need to do is interact with people consistently -especially when you AREN'T selling something (or looking for work).

Social networks work best when you approach the party with a sense of excitement to interact with friends, to make new friends and to match people up with like interests/needs/wants with NO anticipation of "getting something" out of it.

I like that thrill of sharing a website with a friend, or introducing two friends who have mutual goals, or of sharing content that I hope will impact/help/inspire someone.

Either start now creating genuine connections or don't do it at all; anything else will cause you more damage than good.