Joining Social Media Ecosystems, Learning the Ropes

Twitter is also alive with hashtag groupings:  #SMDay.  (For non-twitter fans, search on #SMDay and you’ll find the conversations.)

 

On-line communities can be a wonderful hub of information sharing and connectedness.  As I also shared on Pam’s blog post, I’ve experienced tweet chats (group on-line “real time” discussions) that were almost de-railed — either by snark or a bit of bullying or control-freakishness.

On the side of welcoming, I’ve noticed the pros doing a terrific job of identifying people to assist them (and doing it themselves) when recognizing newcomers, as well has helping people learn the ropes and boundaries, in kind and professional ways in on-line chats and conversations.

At the end of this post, I’ve shared my own tips of what I’ve learned, tips & strategies for joining and knowing if you are in the right place with the right people.

This post was originally published today in Reveln Social Business, a complementary mini-blog that focuses on all things social.    You can find a friendly group of people to welcome you into social media learning in our open LinkedIn group here.

Have a great, social community day,

Excerpted:

So you tweet into a Tweet chat, a Facebook LinkedIn group or page, Quora stream, Empire Avenue community or blog comment discussion with good intentions.

You try to engage in the discussion but something just isn’t working. You may even feel a bit anxious…  You threaten to leave the group, tribe, chat or whatever…

So what is it? Why do you have difficulties “gelling” with these online groups? Your offline relationships are “just fine.”  …

Note: Heads up this post is my personal opinion. It includes experiences I have had, people I have watched struggle to fit in with communities that are already “gelled” without success.

…I am seeing many new to social media get frustrated before they get started. They try to dive into a social media conversation or group without taking the time to understand the ecosystem they are joining…

Bottom line: If you don’t like the community, conversation, or people in it, then leave!

…try going into listen mode for a week or two to see what you can discover about the ecosystem …and people in it…[and] yourself!

Excerpted, 5 of Pam’s 11 Tips to Success in the Social Ecosystem

1. Take the time to learn the ecosystem. Do a double click on the broader ecosystem, the community and individuals.

2. Take time to listen. Read the community pages, blogs of members, active discussions and tweet streams. Read with an intent to learn and understand.

4. Connect with individuals, not just the community at whole. …Learn their names, what makes them tick.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. …Asking questions is a good way to learn who the leaders are in the community.

….10.  If you are not feeling connected, look in the mirror. How is your tone making others feel. Are you sending signals that push people away versus organically attracting them to you ?

Read Pam’s full post here:

My reply on Pam’s post:

• Yes, I’ve experienced tweet chats, group discussions getting de-railed — either by snark or a bit of bullying or control-freakishness.
• I’ve noticed the pros doing a really terrific job of welcoming and  recognizing people, as well has helping people learn the ropes and boundaries, in kind and professional ways.
• Lurking a bit, until you feel comfortable contributing in context, can help.
• Others may do best (participate) by plunging in with sensitivity, assuming the group is open to newbies and newbie mistakes.
• The pros often offer a FAQ or info page. That’s great, as long as newbies know about it before or soon after they arrive on the scene.

–Deb