Social Media and the Art of Connecting

Social media can be a double edged sword--one that must be handled authentically and carefully. If we look at social media as yet another tool for authentic connection and not be tempted into the frenzy of selling or marketing in the "old way", we will surely find our circles expanding and true connections being made.

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Let's think of social media as somewhat of an outpicturing of what applies for us in our "person to person" daily lives: allowing space and time to hear people and engage them ignites a spark of cocreative possibility. Doors swing open and a deeper-knit web is knit when we take the time to truly listen and engage. When we authentically care about and consciously recognize the critical importance of All the Voices, then our leadership, as the Art of Convening notes, comes from a place of understanding that we as leaders per se are guiding something along, yes, but that the group as a whole is the true leader.

In the book, engaging others with the understanding that we are weaving a web together (as opposed to coming in with an agenda or expectation) is referred to as "letting go and letting come". It states that

We let go of our preconceptions of who the others are in the gathering and we let come the truth, quality, and essence of each. We suspend judgment (certainty) so that we are open to the possibilities of others. We must know, internally, that we, and all the others who are here, belong here. Each is needed and is here to contribute to the potential wisdom and creativity that we want in order to allow for the best possible outcome. There are no mistakes or outisiders in the universe, or in our gathering. (93)

As in life, so it is in social media. If we decide to engage the world virtually, coming from this perspective will deepen your experience and certainly widen your circles. Ways that you might consider engaging the world outside of your current base of connections:

Start asking people to answer questions about pertinent issues or reflect on how they see something. Bring them to your fan page or personal Facebook page to post their answers. Engage in conversations.
Make it a "two way street". Ask how you might serve to share out what others are doing. Translated in social media: Tweet about their conference, share about their exciting updates, blog about them. Ask if they might like to do the same with you.
Engage your base: There will always be at least 5 people in your world who are likely so touched by your work and offerings that they'd be more than happy to spread the word to their networks. Remember, expanding your circle and fanbase happens exponentially by teaming with those already familiar with you and asking them if they'd take a few simple steps each week to post links and promotions or offerings each week that invite 'traffic' back to your page. The Fibonacci Sequence in mathematics does not lie: 1, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on. Keep it very simple and fun, with again an eye on the "two way street".
Offer valuable tools and insights for free. Give samples of your book or product/s by linking to downloadable audio or PDF's. Tie in these works with current events--right now the world is in such an incredibly poignant moment--what are our hearts and minds calling for right now? How does your work apply?
Become a Fan of related networks--take time regularly to seek out connections and make "friends" authentically. Follow individuals and organizations on Twitter by keyword searching pertinent topics that apply to your field of interests.
Be steady and consistent in your weekly attention. Don't overdo, stay balanced.

Social media has literally empowered revolutions--just look to Egypt for that example--and has the power to connect us for the greater good. It has the capacity to spread messages and information at such exponential rates yet seen before on a global scale. When utilized authentically as a tool for connecting, it can be the foremost way to expand the reach and breadth of your vision and work.

Here's to authentic virtual convening!