Are You Really Connecting?

“Humans want nothing more than to connect, and the companies that are connecting us electronically want to know who’s saying what, where. As a result, we’re more known than ever before.” Susan Crawford, a professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

I’d have to agree with Ms. Crawford that humans want nothing more than to connect. However, I’d dispute that we are more ‘known’ than ever. Does the fact that social media has allowed more organizations to know our demographics, habits, likes and dislikes make us more ‘known’? In my business, I find that we are losing rather than gaining the ability to ‘know’ each other. We are losing the skills that enable us to have meaningful conversations and deep relationships – to truly ‘know’ each other.

How many texts and emails have you sent this week? Conversely, how many in person conversations have you had that could deepen a relationship and allow you to ‘know’ someone better? One way I achieve balance between the speed of a text or email and the value of a one-to-one connection is to question the interaction’s value to my relationship or my business.  Will a personal call or lunch enable me to better understand the stressors my client is facing? Will it help me to problem solve for them? Will it allow them to see me as a resource for problems even outside my area of expertise? Will it help me to ‘know’ them better and by doing so know how I can better serve them?

Technology and social networking are perfect for relaying information. But, when it comes to relationship building – to knowing someone – sometimes nothing can replace a smile and a willing ear. The trick is to know the difference.

Howdo you achieve a balance between using technology and one-on-one interactions? Post your comments here.