My Social Media Mission 2008: Collecting Genuine Relationships
September 3rd, 2008 Posted in Micro-Blogging, Social Media Community, Social Strategy, friendfeed, social media, social networking
There has been a small buzz going around in the social media community pertaining to the quality of relationships being built online. What is the difference between on online friendship compared to an off line friendship? Can you build genuine relationships online?
I recently found a video from Gary Vaynerchuk via the ProBlogger post called, How To Get Noticed [The Art of Positioning]. In the video Gary talks about the importance of connecting to people and building relationships rather than building a bank account or a subscription list. As always, Gary never ceases to inspire. The video:
I have always been under the assumption that you can only build true, strong relationships if you combine online and off line activity.
So… here is what is going to happen. Social Media Mission 2008-2009. Maybe this has already been done, maybe it hasn’t. I am going to make it a point to meet with a social media contact, in person, once a week until the end of the year (week long Holidays may be out…we will see). I will be posting about the meeting and conversation either here or at another blog.
I am craving the leap to connecting my online with the off line. I figure this is going to be the best way to do. It starts next week. Got any ideas let me know! First one, Chris Hadley who I met on Seesmic.
On FriendFeed, this post was liked by 9 people and commented on 9 times 
14 Responses to “My Social Media Mission 2008: Collecting Genuine Relationships”
By John Wooton on Sep 3, 2008
Great idea, Kyle. I had made it a goal of mine earlier this year to make at least one contact daily to grow my business.
By Chris Hadley on Sep 3, 2008
Hey Kyle! I remember this video from Gary as it played a huge roll in my involvement in social networking. The only people I really made a point to talk to outside of forced work relationships were friends and family. However, in a short six months I have already made some amazing connections by getting out there. I’m getting involved in the seesmic meetups and I’m pumped to meet so many members of that community face-to-face. Hopefully I will make new relationships through those individuals as well.
It really does seem that every week I get the chance to interact with so many new people. It is exciting and genuinely makes me want to continue to grow my community. I’m 100% behind this initiative and I hope you will keep us posted on how it progresses.
By Erin McMahon on Sep 3, 2008
Excellent idea.
I’m not as far down this path, but let me know when you’re in Southern Indiana nonetheless!
By Don on Sep 4, 2008
Dude, this is exactly what you are supposed to be doing. From a Christian perspective, this is what Jesus was saying. Love each other. Not just your friends and family. When you love, when you reach out, you make friends. And it is, of course, tried and true.
By James Paden on Sep 4, 2008
You met me last night
That count?
By Kyle Lacy on Sep 4, 2008
Unfortunately James..
That was before I had made this up. lol
We can meet again though don’t you worry about that.
@Don Great points man!
@Erin you are on the list!
By Bradjward on Sep 4, 2008
Starting tonight, Madden, my house.
By Kyle Lacy on Sep 4, 2008
Brad,
The football game is on. Why would you be playing Madden?
By polina osherov on Sep 4, 2008
so does this mean i actually have to see you in person, AGAIN?? *sighs, shakes head*
By Bradjward on Sep 4, 2008
I don’t have the attention span to sit down and watch a sporting event for more than 30 minutes.
By Karen Swim on Sep 4, 2008
Kyle, I think this is a wonderful idea. I definitely have enjoyed, meeting and/or talking by phone with social media contacts. It creates a more genuine relationship. I have also forged the next level of relationship through Skype and one on one IM chats. I also come across SM giants who are actually introverts. They prefer the computer interaction to “live.” I look forward to reading about your experiences!
By Kyle Lacy on Sep 4, 2008
@Polina Yes!
@ Karen: WE will see how it goes. Maybe you will be one of them!