strangers on social media

To some degree, I’ve wrote on this topic before… social media platforms and their purpose. Seems to be all the rage as of late, so why not write on it again. :)

I’m definitely not an expert, but I feel that I have a good grasp of effective use of social media.

Social media is a powerful tool — and so many people have signed up for accounts, completely unaware of the risks involved.

Tonight I went through a stack of business cards that had been collected over the last month. I opened up my LinkedIn account and read through each card. I asked myself the following questions… Do I remember who this is? Where did I meet him/her? Are they “relevant” or did I just take the card to be polite? I tossed 19 and I added the rest. In most of the invites, I wrote a personalized note on why I was adding them.

When you add someone on LinkedIn… the platform asks if you know the contact. If you click the link, you get this:

The biggest problem with adding someone you don’t know is the second point — “Others may ask you about them and vice versa.” Dangerland.

Take the following example. Random idiot adds me on LinkedIn. He writes a sweet note about why we should be contacts. I accept. The following week, he’s at an event with people I know. Through the small world that is most cities, my contacts find out I am “friends” with the random idiot. Judgement commences. This random idiot now negatively reflects on me. And I don’t even know him… and will likely never know that this transpired.

Seem far fetched? It happens all the time.

In my opinion:

Facebook is for your personal friend circle.

Twitter is for engaging with and learning from the masses.

LinkedIn is for connecting with professionals.

By keeping Facebook to your friends (and locked down) — like actual friends — you can share your private life with minimal risk. If you have more than 100 friends, you should likely have built a limited profile within your account. This way when you feel guilted into accepting a ‘friend’, you limit the information that will be of access to them. :) If someone is posting about random things (cough Farmville cough) that have no relevance to you — delete them. If you have grown apart — delete them. If your extended family went crazy and phones your mom whenever you post about boys — delete them. If you are not actual friends with the person — delete them.

By being aware of who you follow on Twitter, you can control your feed… always ensuring information is relevant to you. Anyone can read through who you follow at any time — they 100% reflect your brand. If you decide to follow a load of 20-25 year old blonde girls with their boobs all up in their avatar or the male pornstar of the month or every single job hunting site to man — people will make judgement. The key is to be aware that people are watching. Who you follow shows your interests. Ensure they reflect you accurately. [The only time this does not apply is if you're #TeamFollowBack. I won't get started - entirely different argument if that's the case].

The goal of LinkedIn is to connect with fellow professionals. It is about quality over quantity. Want to expand your network? Get out there in the community and put your feet to the pavement. Attend events, get involved in your industry, meet people. Think that you can expand your network by adding whatever stranger on LinkedIn? Technically yes, but the quality of your ‘network’ will take a nosedive.

My point is:

Adding strangers on LinkedIn does not add value.

Really. No value.

At minimum, it is an ego boost for people. “Weeee… I have a large network. Look at all the people I’m helping.” :/

Seem harsh? I see it way too often.

LinkedIn has huge perks if you use it effectively. Currently it is the most succinct way to stay in touch with people you’ve met through university, work and the community.

I challenge you to take the time to go through your networks and ask yourself why each contact is there.

Determine how each of the tools you utilize adds value to your life.

Happy Monday.

// End Rant

PS – Don’t even get me started on Google+… I have yet to join.

transparency

I was recently told by a good friend that I am transparent.  I looked at her surprised and said ‘no I’m not’… I don’t want to believe that people may know me better than I know myself, or perhaps know how I think and process situations.  My friend addressed it more as – I am openly public (and most of society is not).  People easily read between the lines when I try to blog ‘vaguely’. I blog, tweet, etc etc like no one is watching – but people are.  I’d be silly to think that no one is reading, this is the internet after all.

So I got thinking about how people have formed impressions of me. I accept and understand that.  But I might as well set everyone up for success.

Dear stalkers ;) … 20 more facts about me:

1. I was born on Salt Spring Island in Beautiful British Columbia.
2. I have 2 younger sisters and 3 older step-brothers.  The Brady bunch one might say.
3. I have a lone grandparent.  My grandpa, Bobby, is amazing.  Everyone who has met him agrees.
4. I grew up being taken care of by nannies (Type A, achievement-oriented momma).  Most of the nannies were from Switzerland, some were awful, some were fantastic.
5. I have been in university, pursuing an undergraduate degree since 2003.  Yes, 2003.  In that time, I did complete a Diploma in HR and 1/2 of the Event Management certificate program, but yes still truckin’ away at the Bachelor of Management (done in December – yay!).
6. I have been working in Human Resources for 4ish years and  I’m currently pursuing my CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) designation.
7. I have a love affair with networking.  Yes it is time consuming, but I truly find it so rewarding. I am continually surprised by the amazing people in this world.
8. I am very picky with who I add to each of the different social networking sites.  For more information, read my blog post on “Internet Friends.”
9. I am active in the community and attempt to align my passions with varied non-profit work.  Current initiatives include international work with Junior Chamber International, and youth education with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
10. I love to travel.  Love love love to travel.  Last year I went to Las Vegas and Tunisia, Africa.  This year I have been to Hawaii, New York, San Francisco, and fingers crossed I will be going to Osaka, Japan in November.
11. I have moved 6 times in the last 7 years.  I have a fantastic friend named Aaron who has assisted with all 6 moves – lucky him! ;) My friends don’t believe in house warming’s any more.
12. My favourite type of yoga is Ashtanga Yoga.  Flow yoga in a warm room, no opportunity to get bored.
13. I read anything and everything.  My roommate and I have a smart shelf (self-exploration, business, travel) and a less-then-smart shelf (chick lit).  I read everything from Women’s Health to Malcolm Gladwell to the Shopaholic series.
14. My favourite color is pink.  But for some reason it was blue until I moved to Calgary… now I hate blue.
15. I can be a girlie girl. I love dresses, skirts, tights, and nail polish.
16. Wine is my friend, it might even be my lover. I love white, red, or any fancy blend.
17. Speaking of drinks, I don’t like coffee – I can’t even stand the smell.  I have never had a sip and I never plan to. I love tea, every type except chamomile.
18. I don’t really like sweets. I could honestly do without ice cream, cake, candy, chocolate, etc in my life.
19. I’ve always wanted a broken left arm.  Are you laughing at me?  I think a cast would be fun – especially a pink one!
20. I have been blogging since 2004.  I love to write.  One day I hope to write a book.

To some degree, I’m an open book.

Does this scare me?  Not really.  I’m not scared of anyone reading my blog or learning more about me. Google me… I dare ya.  Yes, I’ve had my run in with stalkers.  Yes, I’ve had people tell me – they “know” me and they think we should be best friends.  Do I entertain these offers? Absolutely not. I’m a small town girl, not stupid.

Feel like you know me? You don’t. Where would the intrigue be if I told you everything? ;)  Yes I work in HR, travel, volunteer, and have a large family.  But there is so much more… ❤