Image: ABC

Being a huge LOST fan, I was completely dialed into the finale, processing every detail and scenario that played out in the past six seasons. One thing that sticks out most to me is the mantra from the character, Jack in the first season: “Live together; die alone.” I’ve been thinking about this idea and the importance of community in both our personal and professional lives.

I think it goes without saying that it is impossible to do business “alone.” We should not be put off by the fact that people have an agenda because everyone has an agenda and varying motivations. However, there is a dance that we participate in together and that dance has to do with creating and maintaining healthy relationships. You have to learn the steps so you’re successful in these business relationships. Just like the lines of one of my favorite country songs by John Michael Montgomery, “Life is a dance, you learn as you go, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow.” Learning to balance give and take is key!

I love how Twitter mirrors this idea. Twitter can be used solely as a platform to amplify announcements or deals. But Twitter also teaches us the basics of building relations in a simple way, so that we are “living together.” We can reap the benefits of Twitter as well as help others succeed, if we follow the steps or “rules of social media” that have been organically instated. And who doesn’t feel good about that! Let’s take a look at some of these rules and see how they guide our business relationships on a broader scale.

• Be transparent. As already stated, everyone has an agenda. I can respect someone who clearly states their intentions, but if I don’t know what they are up to then I don’t trust them. People want to be in a relationship – whether online or off – with people they trust. If you can’t be transparent then you’re probably not being ethical. It is possible to be both strategic and transparent at the same time. Transparency may even be your strategy. (It’s a good strategy these days!)
• Engage and add value. I think every story I’ve read regarding social media lately is drenched in the word “engagement.” People like to connect with smart, insightful people. Potential clients will be more likely to work with you if they feel you are truly an expert in the field.
• Talk human. Don’t be afraid to show some personality. Plainly said, potential clients want to work with people they like and can relate to. If you sound like you are reading a sales pitch or press release there isn’t much personal appeal. In my opinion, Eric Mower and Associates provides one example of using “talking human” on their homepage as a strategy for branding and business relations.
• Share the love. If someone is providing great information and thought-provoking commentary, share it! Practice the, “Pat my back and I’ll pat your back” mentality. It may seem selfish but it’s just smart. But remember you become a problem and detriment to yourself when you become self-absorbed. Acting selfishly will cause you to “die alone” professionally and personally too. So go ahead and share the love!

Have you found that Twitter is helping your business relationship building skills? Have you learned other lessons from Twitter regarding making solid connections with potential clients or colleagues? Please share your thoughts with me and the readers of BurrellesLuce Fresh Ideas.

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*Bio: Emily Mouyeos joined the BurrellesLuce account management team with a background in nonprofit communication and development. Her background and current experience with BurrellesLuce allows her to effectively address client needs and consolidate feedback for senior management. To Emily, nothing feels better than helping others achieve their goal, whether it’s professionally or personally.  By focusing on client management through the Fresh Ideas blog, she hopes to evaluate new client management trends, as well as provide insight to the pros and cons of current practices. She looks forward to connecting with the readers of Fresh Ideas for new perspectives and dialogue on issues that affect overall success. LinkedIn: Emily Mouyeos Twitter: @BurrellesLuce Facebook: BurrellesLuce