Fast-Track Relationship Building

I spent two days this week at the inaugural European Corporate Podcasting Summit in London, where I was co-presenting a paper on the second day with Blog Angel Claire Raikes. The event was very well attended, informative and extremely interesting. Furthermore, I met in person three people that I have got to know via the Social Media. Now, this is the fascinating thing..............

When you meet someone for the first time, there is always that initial period of "getting to know you". For some people that can be a relatively easy process and for others, particularly if they are shy, it can be anything from uncomfortable to an ordeal that has to be got through. It also makes a difference as to whom you are talking. If two people are diffident at first meeting, an onlooker might observe a conversation that was quite stilted between two people, neither of whom were looking at ease. If, on the other hand, one person is shy and the other more at ease,the latter may be able to draw out conversation from the reticent party. Whatever end of the spectrum people come from, there is still an introductory period to navigate.

Since the birth of Relationship Matters, I have met people virtually. Firstly, there was Leesa Barnes, my podcasting tutor. I did an internet-based course with Leesa over the course of three months, so I felt that I got to know her quite well during that time. Claire Raikes was on that same course. We were the only two British students on it and we happened to live about 10 miles apart at the time. We got on very well and eventually met in December 2006.

Leesa introduced me "virtually" to Anna Farmery of The Engaging Brand at the end of 2006. At the time, Anna and I agreed to have a phone chat in the New Year, after the frantic dust surrounding Christmas had settled. She called me on the day that I had her on my "To Do List" - spooky!  We found an instant rapport, with many interests in common. As a result of that phone call, Anna told me about her diet buddy, Heather Gorringe of Wiggly Wigglers. They invited me to be their Diet Coach on Middle Age Shed and I have done a couple of podcasts with them in that connection. They have also been guest speakers on Relationship Matters (Episode 19).

So, where is all this going? Well, the point is this: I finally met Anna, Heather and Leesa last Monday at the Podcasting Summit and it was like meeting old friends!  I recognised them instantly from their web-based photographs, and also knew their voices very well. I had an idea of what they are like from listening to their podcasts - they all podcast independently for their businesses. I had short-circuited that initial hump that one has to get over on first meeting because I had already "met" them - albeit via the social media. I really did feel that I knew them.

Such is the power of Social Media. You really can build meaningful relationships quite quickly by utilising modern technology. Go harness the power and enjoy! 

Comments

[Anna Farmery]

Social networking never ceases to amaze me, how you can find friends all over the world, how you can know them without even meeting them. It was a thrill meeting you and you are just as I expected...giving, thoughtful and a laugh a minute! Thank you for making the conference a wonderful experience

[Barbara Bradbury]

Thank you so much, Anna. It was an absolute delight meeting you and you certainly made the conference brilliant for me.

[Norvell Molex Jr.]

I would like to make to the conferences but with financial responsibilities as well a healthy young family it’s hard. I have two podcasts on is “Gospel Jazz Podcast” which is blessed beyond measure. The second is the podcast above “The Jazz Suite” which does well and I’m trying to grow them both and create an online community with both but with no luck. I would like to meet other pod caster’s and just have discussions on what we podcast and our personal interests, because when the opportunity arise and my wife and I get to travel it would be wonderful to visit some of these on line friends and fellow podcaster s to share and help with there programs if possible plus just to build friendships and memories for years to come!