I‘ve been reading quite a bit about how we often hold back from saying what’s on our minds. Amber Naslund recently wrote a blog, Quit Pulling Your Punches telling us that we’re too guarded with our communication. Others have echoed the same sentiment and quite honestly, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been as guilty as the next guy for not wanting to rock the boat. Just the other day, Julien Smith shared 5 reasons why Six Pixels of Separation is not a more popular blog. Reason #4 – Be more controversial. It got me thinking which lead to this post.
#1 – Why are you linking your Twitterfeed to LinkedIn?
The goal for social networking isn’t to find the latest site to link your every last word. I understand that you want to make sure every person you’ve ever connected with hears your brilliant thoughts. There was a day and age where LinkedIn was considered the most respected professional networking site around. Then Twitter and Facebook showed up and rocked the boat. LinkedIn, not wanting to be left out, started dressing up like the other two. Before you knew it, they were sharing the same noxious perfume and putting on the same purple lipstick. Those aren’t good looks and neither is linking your feed. Please, stop thinking your content is so important that it needs to be broadcasted to the entire world. Be more strategic in your approach, I promise you it will pay dividends.
#2 – Why are you checking into work every day with Foursquare?
Would you like me to ‘notify’ you every time I take a dump? Yeah, didn’t think so. Well that’s how we feel when you inform us that you showed up to work…again. This isn’t the Flintstones where you have to punch in and out before eating your Brontosaurus ribs. We’re happy to see you gallivanting around town getting hammered, visiting museums, and going to the movies. It speaks to your hobbies, habits, and interests. Grab the latest badge and get on with it. I’ve often mentioned that by adding some context to your tweets like sharing a picture or describing the scene is much more satisfying. Want to help the establishments you visit? Share more information about what makes this place cool or why you decided to visit. Until more companies figure out how to benefit from their patrons and customers checking-in, the true value of applications like Foursquare won’t fully be realized. In the meantime, you stop with these silly check-ins and I’ll stop writing my blogs from the can.
#3 Why are you complaining, blaming others, and being negative all the time?
I swear some of you don’t have mirrors. You’ve lost all objectivity and have no idea how you’re coming across to the rest of us. Venting is one thing, we all need to blow off steam from time to time but if you’re someone who’s mostly a ‘glass half empty’ type of person you might want to re-evaluate your communication strategy. Some believe there is something to this personal branding thing, others not so much. In either case, I would strongly recommend you figure out how you want others to view you. Do you want your personal brand to be –The Complainer? You know who doesn’t want to associate themselves with someone who complains all the time? Everyone!
#4 Why are you using ‘social’ sites like a fire-hose?
We’ve all seen the person or company guilty of this. As you look at their twitter stream you notice that all they’re doing is shouting at you. “Buy my this, read my that”. There are always exceptions to the rule and I’m sure someone can point to an account that does a good job of distributing their message without engagement. For the most part, if there’s no give and take, your message is probably falling on deaf ears. How would you like to go to a party and sit down with someone for thirty minutes while they spew out everything about themselves not letting you get a word in edgewise? Ever go on a date where the other person was way too wrapped up in their world to be concerned about yours? Wasn’t that fun! It’s amazing what we can learn about one another by listening and having a friendly dialogue.
#5 Why is your horoscope on auto tweet?
It’s bad enough you believe in horoscopes, now you want us to read this crap? The same holds true for auto DMs, auto follow, or auto anything for that matter. Sure we need to automate certain things in our lives, that just makes sense. The reason should never be out of laziness and often that’s how it comes across. Seriously, just remove this feature and I’ll stop making fun of you…unless of course you check-in to work every day.
Well, that’s a wrap. What say you? What are some things that you don’t understand about people? Inquiring minds want to know.
Photo credit: http://www.doubletnation.com/2010/5/10/1465540/five-questions-conference-talk
Yes, yes, yes, yes and… yes.
The horoscope auto DM thing doesn’t get nearly enough venom as it should
.-= Matt Dibble´s last blog ..MatthewDibble: @CDeltonWalker Isn’t that the truth, love having that in my backyard. Enjoy it, let me know what u think. =-.
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Your second pt. made me think of the book I am reading… Neuro Marketing, What Makes Them Click. There is a social connection made through story telling which helps us to identify with people. Just checking in somewhere is only the tip of the iceberg… the real connection comes when people understand & can visualize by photos or description your experience at that location. Maybe this doesn’t apply to Rite Aid, but restaurants, movies, museums, etc as you mentioned. Enjoyed the post… however, I could have done with a different opener to the 2nd post… bit crude for me.
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Matt – Sounds like we’re on the same page. Doesn’t bode well for you.
Carrie – The point of my blog is to not hold back, worry about offending people. Sorry you didn’t care for the bathroom reference, can’t please everyone. I agree with the storytelling as a way to identify with people.
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NICE! I think you said a few things here that many others have wanted to say or thought. I could not agree more about #1 and #2!
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You nailed it! Thank you for saying what we all have been thinking. And can people please stop checking in at home too?
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David, you are a great writer and thinker. I appreciated the content in this post and found it worth reading. A bit snarky and not your usual standard, but worthwhile info.
.-= Michelle Bennett´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
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Jason – Thanks for the kind words. So you’re saying you don’t agree with #3-5?
Adam – You mean you don’t want to see people check-in from room to room in their house? I’m in the bedroom, now I’m in the kitchen…took a step into the living room…
Michelle – Wow, a great writer huh? That’s a first for me but really appreciate the compliment. Glad you enjoyed.
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The social web is fast. Maybe too fast. Because with it comes immediate accessibility and opportunity to emote without taking into consideration context and/or reasoning. Static is annoying, fortunately we can always turn the channel. Or unplug the TV.
.-= DaveMurr´s last blog ..You Should Go to Startup Weekend Detroit =-.
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I understand checking into work is annoying – since most people get that you go there everyday. But, I had to check in enough times to claim the mayor ship ;o) The Super Mayor badge is hard to obtain!
.-= Audrey´s last blog ..Mashable Media Summit =-.
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1.) I try (TRY) to keep my twitter stream professional and I like to link it to LinkedIN so I can communicate my biz stuff to both sites. I do choose not to broadcast ALL my tweets to LinkedIN however
2.) I dont know why I check in or use Foursquare at all really. I get cute fake badges and get to be a mayor. WTH does that even mean?!?! I have been checking in at work to out the current Mayor. WHY? I have not a clue. lol
3.) Again, I try very very hard not to complain, blame or gripe in REAL LIFE let alone online. This is one of my biggest pet peeves! I think people need to filter more! No one likes an attention seeker or a bitter grape!
4.) This is also one of my peeves which I tried in vain to talk to my old employer about. They dont engage at all! I am always fearful I dont engage enough. I want to let my networks know important info (like jobs!) but I am interested in building relationships and having a conversation with people. If I look at my group of friends now they are 95% Clients and Talent! If I ever get to Fire-hosey please let me know!
5.) Auto anything is a huge turn off for me! I have been known to “auto” unfollow you when I get an auto DM or follow! as far as horoscopes go, I dont care to see anyones but my own and even then I only want to hear the good stuff!
Great Post Dave!
~SG
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Dave – I agree, the social web might be moving too fast but there’s no slowing down the train. I’m sure in time more and more will figure out how to make it beneficial for them.
Audrey – I have no problem wanting to get cool badges and I’m sure that is why so many do exactly what you say. Unfortunately we have to endure the ride along the way which in the grand scheme of things isn’t the end of the world. Just pointing out some other perspectives.
Shelli – I like how you broke down each pt. None of us are perfect and as you stated, you have a clear reason for doing what you’re doing. Too often that is not the case. Because I know you and have engaged, I know you have the best intentions. Sometimes when we’re slammed at work, it’s hard to do anything but share work stuff. I’ll let you know if you are too ‘fire-hosey’
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one advantage of foursquare check in’s:
I have found friends at the same venue without knowing they were going to be there. Last night an old friend was at the same restaurant/bar. I also have himmed and hawed on where to go and saw someone check in and head to where they are.
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This is your best work to date. I hope your ire isn’t too far up because there will always be people who connect for varying reasons and those people will make you stroke out. I think that their modus operandi within those networks will emulate their use and reasons for involvement.
However, I must admit that the streaming spew of shout that comes from some businesses is a turn off. You know what I do…stop following them! I refuse to be bombarded or even occasionally annoyed by anyone that rubs me the wrong way. That’s like listening to a record you can’t stand, or going for drinks with an acquaintance that will definitely get raging drunk, get into a fight and get arrested. I think you’ll probably stop hanging out with said friend.
Ciao
TO
.-= Therran Oliphant´s last blog ..Be Grateful for your Customers =-.
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Well said. Nuff said.
.-= Brenda Meller´s last blog ..Need Help? Hire an Intern (You’ll thank me later…) =-.
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