Establishing and maintaining networks is a core function of a community developer. And social media tools can vastly expand our networks. So, why would I question becoming over connected?
Is it possible to become so connected – so caught up in maintaining or monitoring these connections – that we lose sight of our effectiveness?
I use online tools to share photographs, transfer documents, join webinars, write blogs and correspond. And, I have occasionally explored a few popular social media networks. For the most part though, I avoid those tools which reduce my efforts to one-finger typing, thumb scrolling, and soundbites as much as I can. It’s a personal choice.
I have come to know that:
- Making and maintaining connections is important
- My circle of friends, relatives, colleagues and clients spans the world and my life is richer for that
- Relationships are not static; some will thrive and others will disappear
- My circle has expanded beyond my capacity to stay actively connected with everyone regularly
So I stay connected personally and professionally by asking myself the following 7 questions:
- Who is important to me?
- What is the nature of my communication, networking, and social needs?
- What do I need from my communication tools? What don’t I need?
- How much time do I have for social networking and how can I best use my time?
- Can I still reach people, even if we’re not in constant contact?
- Can people still reach me when they need to?
- Which services and networks help maintain good quality connections?
I’m not always good at keeping in touch — that does not mean I’ve forgotten or I don’t care. I have emailed colleagues and friends after 10 years and they have responded in kind, rekindling those connections.
And on that level, this community developer can never be over connected!
KIM V WALKER 