Later in the day, I went to the Chinese Cultural and Community Center in Philadelphia for a Chinese New Year dinner that my friends Sherry and Ron Nimitz organize every year. I saw friends from my previous employees, Shared Medical Systems and Siemens Healthcare there, and we exchanged hugs, updates and phone numbers. While many of us had been in touch on LinkedIn and other social media, the act of actually seeing each other face-to-face was totally different and more fulfilling. The social media provide an outline, but a physical presence fills in the details.
I hearken back to the words of ace networker Peter Shankman, who pointed out at a PRSA event that if you are the type of person who stands in a corner during a cocktail party, social media really won't help improve your networking. However, the corollary to his advice is that social media alone won't work for you. They need to be a springboard to an in-person follow up. Don't hide behind your electronic profile. Instead, add these other activities:
- Have breakfast with your contacts. Bring the coffee and doughnuts yourself if you must.
- Attend organizational events.
- Give presentations at organizational events.
- Have lunch. Bring a vegetarian wrap from the local convenience store if you must.
- Go to parties.
- Throw your own party.
Facebook, Plaxo, Naymz, et al, are only one set of tools in your arsenal. Let your contacts put your voice to your digital image and your face to your posting. There is no substitute for that, lest we become a virtual community of ethereal friends, only giving facts but rarely providing substance.
To put a twist to an old saying, "I shall only pass this way once. If I don't network, I may go it alone."
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So true, Pat. Social media is important and another way to connect but nothing beats face-to-face. Congrats on your book, website, and blog!
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