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Most of us, including overweight me, try to exercise to stay in some semblance of shape with our bodies. Some folks do it every day; others less frequently. Do you work on face-to-face communications? I would like to suggest that you do the same thing with networking. Plan a consistent weekly workout of being with others, whether it’s joining a book club, sports team, or volunteering at a charity. Get out and talk to someone.
Again, put the damn smart phone down and talk to them. Yes you can take photos and share what you did on social media, but later. I doubt if people are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what you are doing live as it happens.
At work, do the same thing before and during meetings. Instead of reading your phone content or your last email on your computer, as if you’re expecting a message from the lottery commission that you’ve won, set those marvels of technology aside and start a conversation. Yes, take this opportunity to actually talk — report what’s new, tell a joke or share an insight with your peers. At breaks, if need be, do a quick search for anything vital, but get back to talking to your teammates. If you’re looking at emails or at your phone during meetings, you’ll be noticed, miss a key point of the discussion you need to know, or possibly be called out and embarrassed.
So again, get engaged, be present in the moment and connect with people. I bet it works, just like sweating during exercise with Richard Simmons and getting your bod in shape. Get your personal brand out there, meet and network. It will indeed pay off.
Al Maag is author of the book "Social Media Isn't Social" available on Amazon.com; and a principal at MaagComm+
