One Link Stands

This morning I was grateful to discover a tweet by Ann Tran who shared a post by Liz Strauss, Founder of SOBCon :: I want a relationship not a one-link stand.

All of us have had someone reach out to us, that we barely know, wanting us to RT, "Like", Share and Email our friends and family excaliming how excited we are about their Widget . . . and it's frustrating. As Liz so aptly says "I’m a person, not a network."

The self entitlement of those offenders who reach out and expect to use your network for their own gain without first having a relationship is nauseating. These same people will post what I call "comment vomit" to your blog or Facebook page. . . links to their own sites, often selling tickets for their latest and greatest widget for the low, low price of 49.45.

Regardless of how these "one link stands" reach you, it immediately makes you feel like you have a number on your forehead and you are nothing more than means to their end. These "networkers" just don't get it.

Be warned that you may encounter push back when you refuse to market a Widget from John or Jane Doe and be called unfair, selfish or mean spirited simply because you value your relationships and don't want to sound like a carnival barker. No matter how graciously you decline or downright ignore their pushy demands - you holding your ground to protect your network is met with, what I can only describe as, a rendition of high school bullying mixed with a 5 year old's temper tantrum.

Regardless of the circumstances . . . don't be bullied into to promoting someones product you don't have a relationship with. Lord knows I have pissed off my fair share of "You first, after me" people in my community who tend to wield etiquette and expectation like a double-bitted axe.  Those with no respect for real relationships who are only interested in making a sale - well, they tend to resort to desperate gossip because people won't "help them in these difficult times" to promote their Widget.

Never be apologetic for protecting your ethical boundaries and your relationships. 

Liz hits the nail on the head when she says "I want to get to know you before I recommend you or share what you do with my friends." We are social creatures who thrive and flourish because of our relationships. It takes time to get to know people and engage with them on a daily basis . . . to remember their dogs name is Gus, and that their new book was written in 6 months. Your relationships are precious and should be treated with respect.

Each new relationship you forge brings with it more than just what Widget you can sell - it brings with it the joy of discovering more about yourself as you learn about them. When you take time to cultivate relationships, you unearth the richness of being a part of something much greater than you alone could ever imagine. . . these people are your friends who care about you. Value them, celebrate their victories, laugh with them and console them . . . they will do the same for you.

Remember that just because you expect me to promote your Widget . . . doesn't mean that I am willing to risk my reputation to recommend you.

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What has been your experience with "one link stands"?

How have you handled those who try to bully you into "networking" to sell their widgets.

@BritneySpears singing Alanis Morissette cover has put Greensboro, North Carolina on the social media map

My friend @eddiehuffman, Special Sections Writer to the @NewsandRecord, sent me a message via facebook and invited me to join him Saturday for the @BritneySpears concert in Greensboro.

Having only been to 2 concerts (pause for dramatic

gasps) I was curious as to what kind of Circus Miss Britney would bring to the 'Boro and how social media would be used by all involved.

The news from the Big Top is the You Tube Videos of Britney covering Alanis Morisettes 'You outta Know' . . . These alone should be proof of how busy everyone was with various techie devices (myself included) taking photo's/video, updating facebook and twitter statuses - ultimately watching the entire circus through the camera lens.

Leading up to the main attraction @1075kzl and @britneyspears held a twitter contest where Ashley Miller from Greensboro won VIP tickets.

Even Britney's Facebook fanpage updated fans of the contest as well as sharing the You Tube video from fans.

@Gbocoliseum added to the buzz by annoucing that Britney brought 30 trucks worth of equipment and sharing pictures right before the concert via @twitpic.

The Social Media sideshow has brought and continues to bring thousands of Britney fans to Greensboro, North Carolina. . . I am sure the local business owners and the city of Greensboro are grateful to have hosted Britney's Circus.

socially speaking

Currently, it is 7am and I have been online for nearly two hours. I have twittered, faceplanted - and updated for my twellow people. I know there is more that I could be doing, but quite frankly I don't sleep enough as it is.

I have been (and still are) feverishly working on the web updates since launcing the new logo. The new design is compliments of a 3 day stint I had at the Montage in Laguna Beach. . . a very inspirational trip.

Since the national ads - there has been a sharp increase in web traffic and so too in my email - growth! It takes hours to go through and answer each one and I am still learning to master that.

I deal directly with the artists and chairities, hang each monthly exhibit as well as off site installations, offer residential and corporate consultation, write each press release, hand deliver each investment, attend all charity functions and gallery space rentals - freelance webdesign, graphics and branding - personal shopping for antiques and fine art and custom furniture design.

So socially speaking, I need a PA to help with this fantastic growth in the business - so that the next time I am asked out to dinner . . . I can say yes.