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web 2.0 is a two-way street

By August 13, 2008How To, Networking

So, I have this friend…and this is how our conversations usually go:

Me: Hi! How are you?

Him: Great, things are really good. I just got a new client, the kids are growing fast, built a new playset in our backyard.

(pause)

Me: Sounds excellent. What did you do for the holidays?

Him: Oh, it was awesome – we went to the Bahamas. Jill’s parents rented a house for everyone, we stayed for 1o days.

(pause)

Me:  Wow! Fantastic. You said the kids are well? Little Oscar’s going into kindergarten just like my Sophie this year, right? Are you all ready for the big step?

Him: Yeah…we’ve been reading him books about school and walking the route to school, met his teachers. I think he’ll do great!

(Pause)

…and on and on…every single conversation.

Hopefully, you picked up on what’s missing here. These conversations are 100% one-sided. Never does he ask me about me or my life – even when I prod him a bit. And, honestly, I don’t have time for it. Not in my live social life and not online.

If you want to succeed in either arena, I suggest you join the conversation. Participate. Don’t be just a taker, ewww. It doesn’t feel good on the other side. It’s a big devaluing gust that no one wants.

Talk to your followers, friends, connections, other lenses, favorites – however you connect. Just a simple thanks, tell me who you are and what you do is a great way to start a conversation that can end up just about anywhere, but it’s usually somewhere good. You’re building your team, your network, your audience – plug in to them, they won’t forget. At least I never do.

Join the discussion 3 Comments

  • Erin says:

    You are so right! How are the kids?

  • paige says:

    Hi Julie,

    Thanks for the post . . . which lets me know I’m not the only one who runs into one-sided posts. One thing, though, the “title” threw me. Maybe I haven’t been following closely enough.

    Are you enjoying your blog?

    All the best . . .

    Pati

  • Julie Roads says:

    Hmmm….I’m interested to know why the title threw you? My point wasn’t so much about one-sided posts, though they count in the Web 2.0 scenario – but just that you can’t ask other bloggers or people on your networks for features, deals, exposure, etc…without giving back, having a two-way connection. The entire point of Web 2.0 is that it’s the sharing of information, the connection of people – and that, by definition, must go both ways to exist.
    Yes, I’m enjoying my blog. J’adore it. Je can’t get enough of it…and you? Do you have a blog or a site? Can’t wait to find you what you’re up to…
    Thanks for taking the time to connect. It means a lot.
    Best,
    Julie

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