Will You Sit By Me at Lunch?

Photo courtesy of McQuinn via Flickr

Remember elementary school trying to decide who you would sit by or wondering, wishing, hoping certain people would sit by you?

As we got older we began settling into certain groups or clicks. We formed friendships and relationships that usually had something to do with common interests. There were jocks, goth kids, dorks, smart kids, popular kids, unpopular kids, the special ed kids.

Isn’t it interesting how Twitter could be considered one big lunch room and how our conversations are similar to elementary or high school lunch chatter?

What is your goal with social media? Are you trying to sit at the wrong lunch tables or are you sitting where your voice and your opinions will have the most impact?

Think about it. It could impact your business in a good way when you sit with the right crowd.

One proven method for getting someone’s attention

Some of you may have seen my recent rants on butt kissing in social media.

I’ve been experimenting with social interaction online and in real life over the past week.
I have found one thing to be certain. People like to hear how great they are. Most main stream marketing gurus tell you that pain is the greatest motivator.

Have you ever tried to just be nice?

Have you ever tried to use your expertise to help someone?

Compliment someone on how nice they look in a photo. Tell your friend on Twitter that their background is appealing or their website is useful and informative.

I tried my social experiment at the gym with a Twitter “be nice” state of mind.

I helped someone rearrange weights. I told a regular that they are looking good and to keep it up.

It’s amazing how receptive people actually are when you speak kindly to them or simply ask them a question.

People love to hear about themselves.
People love to feel helpful.

I’ve realized that social media is about spreading the love.

Watch what the more popular and influential people on Twitter do.
You’ll probably find that they are helpful and complimentary.

Go and try it yourself. Retweet someone’s article. Compliment someone on their avatar.

Just be nice. You can start here.

I’d love to hear your comments on how being nice is helping you gain followers and increasing your business!