Time and time again I see people show interest in Social Media, but can’t find the time to invest in it.
Let me state it loud and clear – more than half of the word Network is WORK!
It takes time, and resources. I’m OK with social media VAs and PR people managing companies‘ accounts on Twitter, blogging, uploading YouTube video, and even managing Facebook pages.
What I’m straggling with, are people who outsource their personal networking efforts. It’s not like in the old days (5 years ago, or even in the pre historic era – last century!!), when most people had to be in front of their desktop computer, to do anything online. Now, when smartphones are common place, when most executives have an iphone or a Blackberry, there is really no reason to let your PA or VA (Virtual Assistant) to manage your personal brand, and online reputation.
How busy are you really? Would you send your PA to your brothers’ wedding? Go to a work function on your behalf? A clients evening? Fund Raising event? Manage your son’s soccer team? I hope you’ve answered NO to most of them (I’m joking – ALL of them!!)
Managing your online network is no different. You need to invite people. You need to communicate with your peers. You need to answer questions, and participate in an online discussion. If your PA can do it on your behalf – how strong is your relationship with your network anyway?
I am not managing networks, and numbers. I create, and foster business and personal relationships, with people I care about, and care about me. NO ONE can do it better than me! I would like to believe that my friends, online and offline, are friends because they like me, and what I represent. If someone else was answering my emails, my phone calls, and connecting with other people – would I be able to consider it MY network?
What do you think?
