Social-Networking Sites Should Supplement Interpersonal Communication NOT Supersede It

Earlier this month, a Time magazine reporter asked in an article whether Facebook replaces face time or enhances it.

My vote is the latter.

Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Naymz.com, LinkedIn and even the microblogging site Twitter all should supplement your daily personal and work interactions, but NEVER serve as a substitute for face-to-face encounters.

Sure, it’s a lot easier to log onto your favorite site, type for a few minutes – maybe IM someone or “send a drink request” via Facebook -- than scraping off your car in the dead of winter to fight traffic, or take a train, plane, taxi or bus to meet someone.

But, I ask you to consider … what price do you pay for this comfort?

A friend’s hurt feelings? A confused client? Upset relatives?

Reading words on a screen, even with a video and/or audio element added, is not -- and, never will be -- the same as having a real dialogue in person.

Many times there are subtle nuances to communication and body language that “speak” far greater than actual words. How does this non-spoken “conversation” get conveyed online?

It can’t. But, worse, yet, often the message being sent and even its tone are misunderstood or misconstrued by the recipients.

Before you drop your Internet access, and close your online accounts, I’m not suggesting that you do this -- or even resolve to meet everyone in your network once a week or even monthly.

I am simply reminding everyone of the importance of a phone call and in-person encounter as part of the communication “mix.”

So, the next time you consider sending your former colleague a friend request, sit back, log off, and pick up the phone. Or, schedule a visit the next time you’re in his or her neighborhood.

I guarantee you that the impact you make in reconnecting with this person in such a manner, will far exceed the actual cost of the call or gas in your car.

Nothing speaks volumes more than a real-life hug or handshake.

Remember -- Your Brand is Viral, Too!

We all know about YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn.

But, have you heard about Twitter? Buzzle? Blogger? Plaxo? Ecademy? Spoke? Naymz?

There’s no question that online marketing and blog web sites have exploded in recent years – a new one seems to pop into the picture every month.

More and more professionals – myself included – are taking advantage of these free sites, and creating profiles. After all, viral marketing is yet another way to get your message out there to the masses, and expanding your “brand.”

Don’t forget, however, that even online branding efforts must have a consistent message and “feel.” Whatever you do in the real world via traditional marketing materials like letterhead, business cards and your web site, must “jive” with your profiles and images on these new social networking sites, too.

Carry over any tag lines you use to viral marketing – and use the same or similar pictures, too. Sure, it’s OK to also create a more edgy look and content for your profile and diary on Twitter. After all, you don’t want to appear staid online -- the audience you will reach there is anything but.

By all means, have fun when expanding your online presence. But, just remember …. Don’t say or post anything there that you wouldn’t want your top client, prospect, or future employer, to see and read.

It’s OK to have an opinion about the latest social or political event, but ask yourself whether it’s wise to post it where millions could see it and possibly misperceive your intent.

Even e-mails between colleagues have been misinterpreted – it’s hard to truly understand one’s intent in the written vs. spoken word. Just imagine what your blog entry may be saying about you.

Your brief moment of perceived levity or sarcasm could end up costing you, big time.