Am I an Egomaniac?

I joined Twitter this morning. Now, I feel like an egomaniac.

Seriously, does anyone out there in the cyber world really want to know my every move? Apparently so, as one person already signed up to follow me. (For non-Twitterers, "follow" is the term used to sign up for updates. It's harmless, not stalker-ish.)

So, let's see, which social media am I using now?

There's Facebook for personal contacts, high school friends, neighbors, and others known socially. There's the college football community site, which I participate in religiously. There's LinkedIn for professional contacts, including those known only via the Internet. There are discussion groups on LinkedIn too, and on The Wall Street Journal web site. There's blogging to share insights with people who have attended speaking gigs and training sessions; plus, following about ten other blogs on a regular basis. And, now there's tweeting via Twitter.

All this connecting makes me wonder why we feel the need to connect so much? What is it about how we're working and living today which makes connecting to so many people necessary? Why do we think people want to connect with us?

Are we doing business with people we've never met? Why, yes we are. I'm in the middle of working out details for two leadership sessions with people connected to via Facebook and Linked In. Neither would have happened without the social media, and both organizations are exciting to work with.

Are we building communities of people who really care about each other via the Internet? Why, yes we are. The college football board mentioned above is primarily for football discussions, but there's one message board for other topics. People all over the country post about new babies, ask for travel recommendations, ask for and give business advice, share music and movie reviews, and share life's sorrows as well. I've shed tears of joy, sorrow, and laughter for people on there, and I don't even know their names. This group proves a bonded community can be formed and developed via the Internet.

Are we holding on to connections longer than in the past? Why, yes we are. We remain connected with former coworkers, high school classmates, and associates more consistently than in the past. It makes me feel good when a high school friend posts pictures of her kids on Facebook or when a former coworker on Linked In updates her profile about a new job.

Could organizations take advantage of the social media? Why, yes they can. And, many are!

Organizations with employees spread all over the country, or world, can unite via discussion groups. Companies can keep in touch with alumni employees, in the hope of maintaining a positive image and perhaps wooing them to return. Businesses can conduct JIT brainstorm sessions. There's a million things to do!

So, in considering the uses and purposes for the social media I employ, I've decided I am not an egomaniac. After all, the readers, followers, friends, and connections could opt out.