Most of the time, I post about how to use social media as a business tool for professionals to promote themselves and their businesses. Interwoven in those posts is the importance of building relationships. However, I don’t often post about how “personal” posts—that is, non-business—builds those relationships.
Last week, I lost my long-time companion, Doofus, a yellow tabby cat. He was over 22 years old and had been with me since he was a kitten. I posted about my sadness at losing him on Facebook. Over a hundred people commented and although it sounds silly to some, it made me feel better reading every word.
Obviously, I wouldn’t post something this personal on my LinkedIn page or even on Google+. It’s something I’d post only on Facebook…and only on my personal page, not my business page. But, I posted it because I get support from my Facebook Friends, during good and bad times.
So why am I mentioning this? It’s because we build relationships with people when we share some (not all!) personal details. It works the same way as the water cooler or coffee maker in an office. We stop for a minute or two and share a bit about what’s happening in our lives. When we get to know someone, we’re more likely to want to work with them—or tell our friends to work with them.
It’s like the fabulous Bob Burg says:
“All things being equal, people will do business with and
refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.”
I recently had someone tell me that they wouldn’t use social media of any type as a business tool because the only things he sees posted are stupid, silly and mundane. While this is true for some posts, what is stupid, silly or mundane for one person is very interesting…and important…to another.
It’s critical to remember that adding a bit of our personal lives to our social media efforts makes us human. Whether it’s love of our pets, favorite TV shows or sports teams, good things or any of our other daily trials and tribulations, talking about it online makes us someone others can relate to.
It’s also important to remember that this is a two-way street. Take the time to comment, Like, Share, Retweet and otherwise show that you’re reading the posts of your connections.
One of the things I try to do every day—no matter how busy I am—is to wish my Facebook Friends happy birthday. It’s a great, QUICK way to reach out to others…whether you know them well or only virtually.
One last tip…to really build relationships, when it’s your birthday and you get well wishes, take the time to respond to each person. It’s not very “personal” to just do one post thanking everyone. After all, not everyone may see it. Each individual took the time to send you a note; the least you can do is reciprocate by personally responding.
Comment below—I’d love to hear what you think about mixing personal with business posts.
I agree with your post. Although I think it may be important to caution people to carefully consider posts that may offend others – posts that include remarks about politics, religion, sex, etc. Many of your friends may share your opinions about those topics, but why risk offending the one person that may be one of your key influencers by posting a remark about those highly charged subjects.
I agree, but I think it’s also very important for someone to be authentic to themselves. I know some deeply religious people who post every day about their faith because it’s just so important to them. But, they are very careful never to judge anyone. With politics it’s trickier because people get so passionate. I had one friend who posted that anyone who liked xx candidate was an idiot – and all of her friends really took her to task whether they liked the candidate or not. She apologized and hasn’t posted anything so extreme again. More than anything, to me it comes down to this: would you say something to someone in person, whether it’s about your faith, politics or whatever? If you wouldn’t, then you shouldn’t post it either!
I fully agree with you. It is the personal touch that I have included in my posts as well as my blogs that have given me solid leads and amazing clients. It is like buying a house, you go with the realtor that makes you feel comfortable. This level of comfort is mainly reached by adding a personal touch.
We’re all social creatures and even if we’re just buying a commodity, we still chat with the sales clerk. Maybe we just talk about the weather or the big game, but I think we need that little “personal touch” in our lives…whether in the real world or online!
Sharing & relationships is a combination that is actionable, appreciated & almost always appreciated. I am so glad that you and Doofus had 22 years of sharing lives and helping each other relate to with others. As for mixing business and personal – there is no choice, Everything overlaps everything – 24/7 is not just a work motto it is a life motto. As Malcolm Forbes said – It’s a very short trip, while alive, live. May we all follow that.
Every week I have people tell me that they want to keep their “business” online life separate from their “personal” online life, and as you say, it’s impossible. I always ask “don’t you think those in your personal circle might do business with you or refer business to you?” I also ask “Is there something in your personal life that you need to hide from those in your business world?” Of course, it’s a choice that everyone makes for themselves…but I have found it better when there is a mix. Great quote…I’ll remember it!