One Billion. You may think I’m referring to the number of Facebook and LinkedIn users, but I’m not. I’m referring to the approximate population of India.
Note the wide variety of merchandise: from cigarettes to life insurance
While on a trip there, I decided to take pictures of local businesses, then compare the “real” with their Social Media presence. Sadly, I was unable to find more than a handful on the web, let alone on the Social web; the notable exception being a few of the global brands.
Instead, I found a thriving entrepreneurial culture, where everyone – from the richest to the (almost) poorest – is connected in two ways: by cellphone, and in the real world. The majority of the billion (95% to be exact) are busy living, rather than voyeuristically watching others live via Facebook – they don’t even have internet access.
The 5% have their favorite Social Networks, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Ibibo and Bharatstudent. But for those of us who spend significant time with our own Social Media favorites, 95% is an important reminder: most of the world is connected with real world relationships – not virtual ones.
This week’s action plan: Is it possible that you have been neglecting the part of your network that isn’t regularly online? Or isn’t online in your chosen social network? This week, look through your electronic black book for those who are missing, and reach out to them in a way that is comfortable for them.
PS: This is another example of how sprinkling more Social Media “juice” over an opportunity will not magically create more opportunity. Organizations need to crack the relationship nut, and Social Media is but one vector that can help.
PPS: While in Mumbai, I recently spent some time with fellow professional speaker Lea Brovedani for dinner. While we did coordinate our plans using LinkedIn, we actually met in person at the restaurant. Real-world networking in action!
Have you ever been “captured” by an activity, finding it almost impossible to let go? Marathon runners call it the runner’s high. Smokers call it an addiction. But what is it called when you can’t tear yourself from Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube or other social networks?
If it is part of your job, then some would call it your passion: when your work isn’t work, then it isn’t work (it’s fun). But what if you can’t tear yourself away from it in the evenings? On the weekends? Or if you find yourself “checking in” when you’re out with friends, or eating a meal with your family. This too may be an addiction.
Do you control Social Media, or does it control you – test yourself:
- Don’t check your smart phone at meals or whenever you are with someone. If you feel the urge to check, or feel guilty you haven’t, then you may be addicted. (Your family, friends, and colleagues will appreciate your full attention.)
- Don’t use Social Media for 24 hours each week – at all. In the olden days, this was called the sabbath, where people… rested. If you feel disconnected when you take this day – you may be addicted. (Hint: it’s not a bad thing to use this time to reconnect with those closest to you.)
- When you completely disconnect from the world on your vacation, are you still tethered to the social web? Most addicts will find a way to get their fix, either by finding an internet cafe, bringing a laptop, or even worse, bringing a smart phone and accessing Social Media continuously on demand. (Is this you?)
This week’s action plan: ‘Addict’ isn’t a particularly positive word, but sadly, too many of us slip into this mode of dependency, one step at a time. This week, assess your dependency by going cold-turkey whenever you’re with someone else. Or if you’re truly courageous, do it for a 24-hour period.
Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.RandallCraig.com to register.
Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.ptadvisors.com
www.ProfessionallySpeakingTV.com
