The best and the worst aspect of social networking is one in the same.
There’s always a party going on online anytime, day or night, filled with interesting, creative, intelligent, funny people that want to have conversations, share their lives, offer business advice and connect.
Believe it or not, this was a recent revelation to me. I had one of those “A-ha!” Oprah moments, or whatever you want to call it. I must confess that the never ending Web 2.0 party is pretty addictive, but I try to remember it’s just an accessory to my 3D life. Just like going to a real party, two or three hours is more than plenty.
Remember the Seinfeld episode (Season 9, Episode 16) where George Costanza devises a new social strategy after Jerry suggests he use some stand-up techniques?
End every conversation on a “high note” and “leave them wanting more!”
I’m thinking that’s not a bad strategy for online social networking either. I would add one more tip.
Don’t get so involved
with online networking
that you forget to
nourish your 3D life.
I’m happy to say my priorities are still in order. My immediate offline network is a much more important part of my life than my online network. For my own well being I have to have time with my dogs, my husband, my friends, family and nature. Funny how dogs came up first on my list, but not all that surprising really. It makes me think of a sweet little quote from John Dean Anderson, a.k.a. Macgyver.
Dogs are my favorite people.~ John Dean Anderson
And thank god they can’t get online. It’s really nice that the only kind of relationship you can have with an animal is a 3-Dimensional one.
It’s very beneficial to keep your advice in mind, as the social media habit can become quite addictive, to the point that the real world is neglected. I’m often amazed at how often I’ll see someone on Twitter, not to mention the updates to their Facebook page and new posts on their blog – I find myself wondering if they have another life, or if they’re simply more prolific than I. What I learned early on is never to feel like I need to match someone’s interactive output – balance is important!
Thanks so much for the comment Mark,
You’re right, it’s easy to fall into the comparing game online, but it doesn’t make any sense. I mean, okay, I feel a little embarrassed that I let well over a month go by without a peep on my blog. But then realize that it’s all part of my social media learning experience. It’s really a give and take, almost battle of wills, between my on and offline relationships.
I might go my entire life without attaining real balance, but I plan to continually strive for it none the less. :)