It’s all about putting others first.
This article is letter (U) of our “Human Connect” series where we write an article for each letter of the phrase. “Human Connect” explores how relationships will change in the digital age. Find links to more articles in the series below.
It’s no secret. The world is run on personal relationships. So why do so many of us struggle with getting past small talk and connecting with other people on a meaningful level? We asked ourselves the same question here at Swomi HQ. So we gathered up some research and life experiences to share what we have learned about connecting with anyone, online or offline.
It Starts With You
To connect with anyone, many of us forget where connection begins...with the other person! This involves truly listening. From listening to others, mutual respect, trust, and friendship will naturally follow. But what does it mean to actually listen? So much miscommunication and arguments occur because both parties value their own opinion over understanding with the other has to say.
Become a better listener with one mindset shift. Always let the speaker be the star. What so many people in this world want is to be understood. As Raptitude says, “cherish other people’s desire to express themselves more than your own desire to express yourself... You will get your chance to make yourself understood, just don’t try to be first in line.” Even if you feel you have nothing of value to offer the world, everyone has the ability to listen. Connecting with another person begins with the other person.
Connect With Anyone Online
The same applies for connecting with people online whether it be with new friends or connecting with new people. Simply treat your online relationships like your real life ones. It’s not any different. And it’s not any harder. It just requires patience and sincerity. Real friendships are built slowly over time.
Pre-internet days, there were only three ways to connect with people: in-person, over the phone, or (gasp) by snail mail. Now thanks to social media today, it’s as if each social platform you have is like fifty front doors. Each metaphorical knock on one of those front doors becomes a notification coming in on your phone.
Actionable Steps To Connect Online Right Now
That being said, technology is best used to supplement, not entirely replace, social interactions. So here are a few quick, simple steps you can do right now to keep those relationships strong even when you can’t see each other face-to-face.
1. Comment On Their Blog – interact with their content. Engaging with the conversation is invaluable!
2. Like Posts – super simple. Akin to a virtual hand-wave and nod.
3. Tag A Photo – if you have a picture together, post it, and tag them in it. Of course, make sure they are okay with you sharing their picture first.
4. Give A Mention – When doing your own posts, a mention is a great way to give a shout out. You can also @mention them in the comments section of interesting content so they are directly linked to it.
5. Meet-Up – the next best thing to meeting in person is a video call
Word Up:
You and others, online and off, have the potential to create some meaningful relationships together. Life is a mirror, so how we view the world is usually how it is reflected back to us. By taking the initiative to connect with others, you are already on a happier path. We see a bright future ahead for you.
And if you are looking to increase you connection with a larger audience, consider signing up for a Swomi Flyer. They automatically direct a curated audience to your website or blog. Contact us here to learn more. And see you next time.
This article is part of our “Human Connect” series where we write an article for each letter of the phrase. “Human Connect” explores how relationships will change in the digital age.
Click below to read more articles in the “Human Connect” series:
(U) + Others: Connect With Anyone Online Or Offline
(M) Why Your (M)essage Matters More Than You Think
(A) Can’t We All Get Along? Our Relationship With (A)I
(N) How To Grow (N)ew Connections Into Lifelong Friendships
(C) Here's What No One Tells You About Online (C)ulture
(O)nline/Offline Human Connection Now And For The Future
(N) The Hidden Power (N)ew Stuff Has On Your Brain
(N)ew Ways To Communicate Online
(E) Understanding The Background And Future Of (e)Stuff
(C) The Surprising Secret About Being A (C)ontent Creator
(T) What Matters When You Are Learning To Trust People Online?
