The Social Psychology of Social Media: Are you Social?

"Engage"... I love this word! When I realized that FaceBook (took me longer with Twitter) was another version of community. I find that all the same natural skills I have in creating connection, motivating, referring & participating with my "live in person" community members can be applied on social media sites too.

AND it doesn't mean that we're limited to this one form of connection. Perhaps we'd be best to remember to: Meet in person, talk on the phone, send an email, give referrals - and write thank you notes! - just like we did before the media part of social became so automated...

I love that you are a steady voice, Ann, of "eh, who cares about the technology if you're not being real, having conversation, engaging with people..."!

As you might say: YOU ROCK!!!
Engage...

Such a beautiful comment Tambra - I could not have said it better myself. And it's so true that making a point to connect "next level" is important! My goal: 10 higher level connections with people I first met online a month!

So, that means you can count me as one of your 10 for February, right!?

oh yes! And that was a GREAT meetup!

I, too, am an introvert, but I love to connect which to me means heart-to-heart not just a drive-by flitter.

Thanks Ann

Bill, I watched you reach out, ask questions and listen online, yes listen. People don't think you can do that!

I enjoyed the show and got some good information. I went immediately to tweetfollow, tweetfollowhood, and twibes. Thank you very much.

I took the survey, but I couldn't tell if the survey was functioning properly. It too was good info.

As far as listening, I listen very well - thanks for noticing.

Ciao.

Yes, I made a dumb change on the survey but it's back to normal and fixed if you want to take it again!

Couldn't get back to the survey. I guess it's reading my cookies and knows I've already taken it so it directs me automatically to Thank You page.

so so true...i am immediately turned off when someone just "follows" me and starts spewing what they can do for me...sigh...
uh...let me get to know yah first...
it seems so simple...and i have found...that in the realm of worrying about who might "Steal" my posts...or ideas...
all the clients that i have gotten...were because they got to know me first...there are plenty out there doing the same thing...but ultimately...people buy or use services from people they feel they have connected with...

keep doing what you are doing ann...you are an inspiration!

thanks Elena and you are right - there are already TONS out there doing what we do, we cannot be afraid to engage and share because of that, social media just makes knowing how many do it much more obvious. And as I say in the Warrior-Preneur blog on HISTORY, if you have established what is uniquely you, you will attract the right customers!

It is amazing how some people who are so comfortable being a social butterfly out in the "real world", completely clam up when behind a computer screen. Some how there is a disconnect with the concept of being "social" when they can't look someone in the face. Actually, the reverse is also true. Wallflowers become social mavens behind a computer screen when not having to look someone in the eye. It really is an interesting social phenomenon.

As you said Ann, the key to be a good networker, you need to be both. Once you recognize which style you are, that will allow you to work on what you are most uncomfortable with.

It's interesting Candace because I see "social butterfly" very different from 'social" and "shy". Most people do not realize how shy I really am. Jumping into a crowd of strangers really freaks me out! My ability to care enough about people to want to push through that makes me do it. I also often think that people who are quiet, reflective, and naturally great listeners are better at "social" then those with BIG personalities who can become "social butterflies". Ah, the challenges of human behavior!

Then using your 4 different personality types grid, someone who is "social" would probably fit into a completely different catagory than someone who is a "social butterfly".

Too True! :) You can't build a relationship if you always concerned about pushing your stuff or trying to sell to people. Connect, make friends, get to know people and then business will follow. Thanks for the great reminder Ann! XoXo

Cori! So true, I am trying to to change people's perception of sales because when you build relationship and make friends you become their favorite sales person!

Hi Anna,

My name is Jill Arrington. I had about 2 aha moments in a 1:55 p.m. video. Why am I wanting to keep you to myself and share you with anyone else yet? Do I need to fill like I'm controlling this wheel or that people won't steal my potential network of clients that I've built. It's not many, but yes. I'm feeling that and I'm still sharing this with others. The Universe always says yes to sharing as long as the information is authentic and real :0)! I wouldn't want anyone to deprive me of this information! Now, I'm getting off so I can share!

Ann, you are so funny :0)! My goal this year to bring together this synergistic group of women who I can trust to bring their gift to the world. Like you said, no one can take our stuff! What's for us is for us and we have a remnant of people set aside just for us to help that others can't. I'm banking my life and my life that you are one of those women who I need as a mentor and in my circle of influence. I'll gladly and joyously share you in my circle without fear! i just took 20 steps forward into acceptance and 100 out of resistance :0)!

YOU are a freaking ROCKSTAR!

Jill! I have these moments where I rant and rave cause peeps take my sh*t and teach it like it's theirs. Guess what? That even happens in person! What's funny is KARMA always gets them, and eventually people see though it-my history demonstrates my expertise, just like for you. so get out there and rock their world, if you hide it they do not know YOU are the ONE they want!

You nailed me again on the followup thing! I know I know, it's gotta get permanently in the process... I need a full time corporate wife so she can be the etiquette one and I can be the business one and people won't expect a thank you card from ME, but they'll be tickled it its from here!

Ah @Adryenn, follow up - you are a great starter finishing is always the challenge! :)

SO TRUE!!!! pick up the phone, send an email, make a blog post comment. How can you expect people to connect with you professionally if they can't connect personally. I love the video... Just the fact you did a video instead of the audio deal says a lot to your message. JUST DO IT! Just work the room, just start to connect!

Tom! Thank you so much, coming from the professional "engager" himself it means a TON!