I recently had some conversations regarding responsiveness on Twitter, specifically when someone tries to reach out to someone else and that “someone else” never responds. There could be many reasons for this, like that direct message or @ message got by them, they are really busy, and so on; but in my opinion these aren’t really great excuses. All we hear about all day everyday on social sites is how important responsiveness is, yet so many still don’t grasp that.
Why is it some people don’t get it? Two possibilities that intrigue me are 1) their ego is in the way and 2) the people that preach engagement but don’t do it obviously are doing it wrong. And that was what the conversations I had revolved around mainly, was the people that sit on their “social” media high horse and blog and speak about this social revolution and how to do it properly; yet can’t do it for themselves “properly”.
This frustration from non responsiveness is an issue we face in all facets of our life; whether it be at home, at work, or online. Responding to a human being that has emailed you, texted you, left a voicemail, @ messaged you on Twitter, or sent you a Facebook message…is vitally important. The first thing that happens to me when I feel someone is not being responsive to me in a fair amount of time is…FRUSTRATION; which leads to a negative attachment to that person anytime their name is mentioned.
Being responsive is the first thing you can do as a person to let another person know that you hear them, and you’re protecting your personal brand by doing so. I personally don’t understand why people are, in general, so bad at responding; it benefits all involved. There is a fear of hurting someone’s feelings in some circumstances (having to say no), but by responding and being honest it is still the best for all involved.
My best advice to those willing to listen is, go out of your way to respond to those that approach you no matter the avenue in which they approach (social media, email, voicemail, etc.), someone is taking the time to reach out to you so the least you can do is respond in a timely manner. And advice for those people that won’t listen, your day is coming; you will reach out to someone and they will be unresponsive to you. Karma’s a bitch!!
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Nice one. Yes – it can be a bit frustrating. I pride myself of being a polite human and SM dabbler. I have to say though, sometimes the RT’s & stuff do get by me! I’m not sure why some show up on my thread and others don’t. Sooooo – that’s my excuse LOL
Thanks for the comment Kris, I can totally see some comments getting by, especially if you’re not able to be on Twitter much…or Facebook. I just think we all need to try a little harder to respond, none of us will be perfect, but better is always a great start!! Cheers Kris, Happy Friday!!
Happy Friday Matt. Your post is so true.
Thank you very much and a very happy Friday to you as well!! And weekend!!
This post reminds me of an entry on another blog I follow by @Brainzooming. Mike posted some Twitter tips and one of them was about @ Mentions. I could repost my comment from that blog but I’ll save some space and provide the link http://brainzooming.com/?cat=47
Again you are spot on with this post Matt. I’ve kind of giggled to myself as it seem that 2011 is shaping up to be the year to Engage….connect….talk…not just post. Isn’t that what it was always suppose to be? You, my friend, are a pro at practicing what you preach. Kind of makes me proud to be following you.
Hey Cheri, I had seen that post on Brainzooming as well, love their stuff and their list was right on. I appreciate your comments, especially the feedback on how I am on Twitter. I think you are too kind but I also know that is what has brought you success in the social world!! You are someone to pay close attention to, regarding communication skills and engagement with people!! You rock!!