My cousin Jesse told me this summer that I need to listen more, hear what people are saying and avoid being condescending. Somewhere along the line I lost some of my sensitivity, my filter, that keeps me from acting like a know it all. This was hard to hear, because it was personal and honest. I swallowed my humble pie and started thinking about what this means in the big picture of social and professional networking.
Listen More. Hear what people are saying. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time or they are an old client or friend, listening for the conversational cues that communicate what you need to know. When somebody says “call me,” they mean it. Avoid being the person who always says “let’s get lunch sometime,” and never follows up with an email or phone call. Be the person who calls, asks people to get together, stays in touch.
Listen More. I have a lot of information to share and I love to talk with people. This is a dangerous combination. I am committed to listening more, hearing what your ideas and/or problems are and finding out what kind of solution you are looking for. Remember, people generally know their business very well, they hold the secrets you need to mix in with the tools you bring to the party. In the best situations conversation is natural, this means we need to pay attention more to listening and identifying exactly how we can be a resource to someone. In the worst situations, you need to ask questions and get people talking. Find out what rubs them the wrong way and get yourself some material to engage with.
Why is this such a funny topic for social media? Whenever we post a status update or tweet, we are talking. Listening has become harder and harder. Easy ways to listen are as follows:
1) Search your name on Twitter (really easy thru the Twitter site or any of the software programs). Are people talking about you?
2) Read your friends posts on FaceBook, comment, “like” stuff, engage their media. FaceBook will become a lot more fun. and interesting. You will need to implement and fine tune your Lists on FaceBook if you are going to do this.
3) Check LinkedIn daily and see what kind of updates are coming thru your network. Read your connections recommendations, answers and their updates. Occasionally comment, always participate.
These are three easy ways to start listening more on your social and professional networks. As you listen more, you will get better at it and it will become easier. Listening Better – What We Need To Do in 2010. Start Now!




The Cleveland Cavaliers are a text book example of how teamwork is essential to winning. The picture above shows the energy and humor the Cavs have played with this year. If you want to win a championship, you need to build a great team and work together. When I look at the above picture, I see Delonte West being lifted up by his teammate, LeBron James leaning into the group, and a group enjoying themselves.

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