Recently I participated on a panel at a symposium at a local university. The topic, “Online Social Networking: More or Less Connected.” The opportunity came about because of someone I first met on LinkedIn. Then, we opened that virtual door to real conversations and meetings. In preparing for questions, I thought someone might ask, “How can I get more followers, friends, Likes, or contacts?” Being more of a connector than an numbers collector, I thought I might attract the same in the audience. But, do you know what I mean about connector versus collector online?
As an introvert who finds online social networking a less intimidating way to connect, I am still likely more cautious with connections than an extrovert. In Twitter twords, “follow” these cautions which actually translate across almost any social network that you might have interest. You followed me first, and here were go:
You follow me first; much appreciated. I don’t usually go on a search for connections. So, with your following me, I click on your profile in hopes of finding out about you. I like to know something about the people who are following me. But wow! The only thing in your profile is your name. OK. Let me look further.
You have that sad little egg shaped avatar as your photo. A local networking event would have given me at least a face. As an introvert in business I recognize that some people may be a bit hesitant to put their photo in a public place. I accept that as possibly your reason. I also know that some people might be challenged with images online, so I dig a bit further.
I don’t see a link to any website or blog. No links, anywhere. Now, all I have is a name to go on. Not even a face to match with it! Maybe real conversations aren’t what you want? But, could you at least say why you are showing up online? Persistent to know about who followed me I move on.
There is a link! With excitement about reading about what you do, what your interests are, maybe learning a bit from a blog post, I click on a url shortened link in your profile. Aw geez. Give me a break. You’re taking me to a tacky sales page and I don’t even know you! I chalk it up to inexperience and look further.
Your update, tweet, status – is blank! You extended your handshake and now I’ve got a limpest of holds on me. I don’t know what you look like, I can’t learn a thing about you, you want to sell me something. I’m still dogged. I search for you on other networks. It’s more of the same. LinkedIn has no information; FaceBook wall is closed to me. Sigh.
Your updates, tweet, status – a string of all the same message. What is that about? What are you here for and why on earth do you want to connect with me? I’m suspect and stymied. It’s not likely we’re here for similar reasons so, it’s time to delete your invitation and move on.
This process takes just a couple of minutes; not long for an investment to meet something new. It’s possible extroverts have some of my same criteria but I find as an introvert, I’m networking online and in-person more for the relationship building. Numbers are the least of my goal.
What online clues or cues do you have for deciding whether to follow or not to follow, to like or not to like, to connect or not to connect?