I was watching the Tweets from a chat on Twitter last night about online friendships and networking. I was tempted to jump in but instead decided to simply see what others had to say.
The consensus was that many people, especially the Gen Y and Millenials, don’t fully understand the art and skills needed to effectively network face-to-face. They have been exposed to technology and relationships on levels that have never existed. Some older folks are downright dumbfounded about how this younger generation operates. Many recent high school and college graduates face challenges in job interviews because they spend so much time using their thumbs and gadgets that it’s often a challenge to function in a professional setting.
We are on uncharted territory. Exciting for sure, but a little worrisome too.
The Human Factor
Those on last night’s chat backed my opinion that in business, we can’t solely depend on Social Networking and online relationships. It may be comfortable and convenient for many, but the true humanness of our existance is missing.
When we interact with people face-to-face, we:
- Experience the dynamics of conversations and exchanges. U-stream and video chats don’t count, sorry.
- Polish our verbal communication (LOL is quite different than hearing someone laugh and seeing their face light up with a smile)
- Integrate our body language, which silently speaks volumes about our self-confidence and attitude
- Dress the part and image we want to convey
- Use social manners and etiquette (hopefully) when eating meals together
- Listen for nuances and vocal habits in conversations that can lead to new business and opportunities
- Tap into the emotions and humanity of others
Consider the basic art of a handshake. The human touch is essential to our emotional security. Newborn babies who are orphaned often have nurses and volunteers sit and hold them so they are not in their cribs alone all day. It affects our psyche at deep levels. From the time we are born, we need that sensory connection with other humans. Looking at an Avatar won’t help a baby connect with others. Technology can never replace the human factor.
Understanding and applying the art of face-to-face interactions and online networking can spell business success. It’s a tag-team approach.
(Photo Credit: Jessica.Tam)
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Yes! I get asked all the time if face to face vs. social media is an either/or. I tell them, no. They work together very well. Ignoring either will ultimately make you less successful.
Thanks for saying it so well!
Hi Juli,
I appreciate your kind words. Yes, they work together quite well!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Best wishes,
Susan
When I participated in a Facebook conversation during one of the White House conference’s on the economy, one of the young men indicated an interest in entrepreneurship and his horrible experiences in the educational system. I replied how I wished I had the opportunity of having the young man in my classroom. In his reply, he insisted he could learn everything he needed to know online. How I wish I could remember his name to forward him this insightful post, Sue – this will be required reading for my students!
Kathy,
Wow that is a scary story! Your students are lucky that their instructor is willing to share “real-world” resources to help them learn and grow. Kudos to you!
Susan
Would add to the pros of social networking- “One (read me) gets to know what’s happening in the life of friends and acquaintances, and share the happiness, concern, which in otherwise busy lives these days, one can’t.” A posts something about him/her which he wants to share with the world. B reads it at his own time and responds, and so on.
“Faceless” is a perfect and powerful metaphor.
I like the fact you spelled out that to be truly effective, it’s Faceless + Face-to-Face.
This post perfectly resonates with my today post on “Make It a Lasting Impression” at http://soulati.com/blog where I was asked to provide tips for interns/grads in seeking a position.
I, too, have directly felt impact of social media on young people afraid to pick up the phone. It’s a tip I offer; however, I didn’t come down hard on this point. Here, though, I will say, I’m dismayed and disappointed with the lack of social grace I’m seeing from the up-and-comers.
Perhaps human interaction etiquette classes ought to be a requirement for those pursuing life beyond school.
That’s a good suggestion, manners are priceless.
Susan
What a great resource!
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!