Grace Notes: Are You Networking Wrong?

Have you ever, in a group, passed a whispered story from ear to ear? If you have, you'll remember the laughter at the differences between the original story and its final form.

Listening is a forgotten art in this hurry-too-fast age we live in. It takes focus, attention and energy to listen well. It requires an attitude of humility and respect for the speaker. Others appreciate it when you truly listen to them, and they can usually tell when you don't. With online social networking here to stay, it serves well to remember that. You don't want to come across as insincere. It's probably better to do nothing than to do the right things in the wrong way.

If time constraints hold you back, narrow your focus to those activities you can undertake well. It's fine to shift back and forth between social networks, but it doesn't serve you well to never return to a group at all. Splintering your focus too far can dilute everything you do. Don't expect the impossible of yourself. No one can be everywhere at once. If you can only hope to gloss over participation in a group, you might be better served to leave it and focus where you can participate.

As always, comments are welcome. I appreciate you.

© 2010 Janalyn Voigt

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