Virtual to Physical
I read a great blog post by Chris Brogan that discussed all of the extra chores that social media adds to our daily “To Do” list. Chris’ post maps out his very busy day, from the time he wakes and monitors his Google reader (to see what people are talking about or what they are saying about him) to reading 700 blogs and sifting through his 500 emails. Yes, Social Media definitely takes time and effort. It’s not a one day or once a month type of adventure. And, it’s definitely not a spectator sport. Actually, Social Media is an everyday commitment (in some cases, it becomes an addiction) and for me is one of the best ways to build human capital and turn a new virtual friend into a valuable physical relationship.
I’ve been active in Social Media for a few years. I’m noticing, more so now than ever, that my connections are turning into face-to-face interaction with new friends and marketing/PR promotion and new business opportunities. So, just when you think you’ve spent too much time and you’re overwhelmed with your Twitter network (after all reviewing new followers, following them and monitoring tweets is time consuming), think of these five scenarios that reveal the benefits of Social Media effort:
1. I’ve been asked to speak at national PR conferences and International programs in India, Iran and Australia, and to visit and meet with companies in China and Amsterdam through my Twitter and Facebook networks.
2. Several of my new Twitter friends, (we started out by sharing information and engaging in dialogue) now meet regularly for a North Jersey tweetup, once a month. The dialogue and interaction is not only educational, but really enjoyable.
3. I was recently approached to speak with Social Media Connections, which is a group of Social Media experts in New Jersey, who travel to local libraries and educate groups on social media communications. I met the founder of the group @eva_abreu on Twitter.
4. I’ve been approached by journalists and bloggers for interviews on the radio and for print stories and for book reviews, all through Twitter and LinkedIn.
5. I’ve made some great friends including @sukifuller and @jquig99, who I even invited to my wedding!
Social Media is a great way to start a relationship, and then grow and deepen it so that it turns into a physical networking opportunity or a real world friendship. I think all relationships take hard work, whether it’s a marriage, business partnership, or a friendship that grows over the years. Why should relationships garnered through Social Media be any different? Tell me about your best virtual to physical relationships through Social Media.
