This last month, I’ve read Renegades Write the Rules, One Big Thing, and I’ve signed up with Klout. Why?
I’m also on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and YouTube. Again, why?
Well, to be honest, that is what I am trying to figure out. 🙂 Part of the reason is obvious – in our current social context, having a vibrant online presence is one of the keys to effective leadership (we tell ourselves that, anyway). There can also be a strong relational element to being online (again, often according to what we tell ourselves). Finally, I think there might a third aspect as well (and yes, there are likely more than three!) … I think many of us, deep down inside, want to know that we are making a difference in the world. Even if it is a small difference. And we hope that having an online presence will help with that.
But does it? Does having a vibrant and active online presence actually help someone make a difference in the world? Sure, celebrities with millions of followers can say they have meaningful influence (which may or may not be true), but what about the average person? What about you and me?
And … how can we know if our online presence make a difference? Our number of Twitter followers? How many retweets we had last week? How many FB friends we have? How many LinkedIn connections we have? Our Klout score?
What do you think? What is the point of “being online”? Comment below and let’s talk about it!
Mark: My online presence has mainly one purpose and I believe it does make a difference. I am affirmed in this opinion when I get a phone call from an inquirer asking about a product he sees in my web site. A more tangible affirmation is experienced when I see an account added or orders placed. Such times give me confidence that people are beginning to desire product options for their vehicles that reduce operation and maintenance expenses and reducing their environmental impact. This environmental impact is realized when these people understand that they can drive for as long as one year or 40,000 kms. whichever comes first without compromising the car’s warranty.
When I received an inquiry about Propylene Glycol Antifreeze from a lady whose dog died due to tasting ethylene glycol, I knew that my online presence was worth saving the life of a pet or heaven forbid another human life.
There are folks that read the obituaries to see if they’re still alive, well I must admit I “google” myself to see if I’m as prolific as I think I am.
Have a blessed Christmas and thanks for spreading the Word as you do.
RH