In case you care I wanted to make a statement about social networking. I believe in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Skype, texting, etc. Some social networking is more favored than others. I prefer Facebook and texting. And just for the record I still believe in all the other forms of communication such as: In person appointments and prospecting, direct telephone calls that I make to people I want to talk to each day, emailing, faxing, mailouts through the US postal system. Well you get the picture. I don't disregard any of it as poppycock. I believe in all of it and am grateful that I am alive during an era of my life when a new, extremely intelligent and savy generation of individuals have formulated ways to stay in touch in additional and efficient ways.
Do I think social networking, particularly, is a waste of time? If an individual is pre-disposed to procrastinating, lacks focus and generally has no plan or agenda to help them through a productive day, I suppose anything they do could be a waste of time. And to those individuals who like to criticize social networking and call it a waste of time, I ask you this question. Why do you care? Why do you protest? Do you feel out of the loop? Just because you haven't taken the time to learn a new skill and don't really "get" what it is all about, can't you go about your business and leave us social networkers alone? I am sure 60 years ago there were lots of critics of the television set too. Maybe they did not want to learn how to turn it on or figure out who was on what channel at what time. Maybe they were happy just playing the radio and did not appreciate these "rebels" who had to rain on their parade with a television invention. I always wonder why some people want everyone to agree with what they say or do or don't do. Now that's a waste of time.
What happens for me during social networking time? I receive direct messages, texts, or wall posts from people who need my advice or help on a particular aspect of their work life. This applies particularly to the sales coaching I do now that is a carry over from my past life as a salesperson, author and trainer. I have a vast knowledge of the real estate industry because of my years spent in the trenches and so people know that and can now have a direct communication with me if I have decided to friend them. But people also ask me questions about life, family you name it. And I do the same thing. Some of my friends on facebook are extremely well versed in areas of life and work that I am seeking more help with and they are there to assist me too.
I relate and communicate with fellow actors who invite me to participate in plays, auditions or any upcoming work they think I am suited for that is on their agendas. I learn about classes I can take from people I respect. I stay in touch with my family who live in both southern California and other parts of the country. We share pictures, funny stories and virtual hugs and kisses and it enriches my day to just know that they are as close as my blackberry that I carry with me at all times. I live an extremely productive life and never feel like my time on twittter or facebook is a waste because I turn to it in between important work that I am doing all day long. It actually saves me time because I can get an answer almost instantly when I need it and still carry on with other tasks I am doing. See I make all my own phone calls, post my own status updates, appear in person on appointments. I don't have people "stand in" for me in life. Never have. Social networkers are usually hands on people.
People younger than me and older than me enlighten me with their status updates and news of how certain events in their life have touched them or taught them a lesson. We share music through Utube, Blip, and other links that often hit me like an answer to a prayer at a moment during the day that I needed a little shot in the arm. Maybe just at the perfect time when I was about to perform, coach someone, participate in an audition, or engage in a face to face business meeting with an important client.
Social networking for me is all encompassing because I can access people who are smart, intelligent, with it and actively engaged in the world. And I friended them or they friended me so it's a choice we all made. I am not saying social networking is for everyone. But if it is not for you, don't knock it because you really don't know what you are talking about. One tends to sound foolish and ignorant when they protest too much. For example, an anti social networker criticized a young saleswoman who stood outside of a person's door and texted to her to ask if now was a good time to pay a visit. The critic said it was ridiculous to text someone when she should of just knocked on the door. But what this critic maybe didn't realize is the saleswoman knows her prospect. She knows that they do not like "drop bys'" and that this person appreciates some notice prior to showing up at the door. I bring up this example because this was the exact situation that occurred with one of my clients. And the polite texting actually got her in the door and she nailed the appointment. As a matter of fact I prefer texting initially when a appointment needs to be set up. It is much more efficient and less aggravating than playing phone tag is.
Do I think social networking is here to stay? I think networking via various instruments of communication is definitely here to stay. That is like asking if talking to people, hugging people, hearing people, making love to people, touching people, etc, etc, etc, is here to stay. It's all human relations. And who really cares how we do it now or in one hundred years. As long as we do it and we are having fun and getting our point across is all that really matters.