Fast Company Feature: FOSTERING POWERFUL RELATIONSHIPS IN A VIRTUAL WORLD
Last week, I was at my local grocery store feverishly trying to complete the weekly chore so I could get on with the rest of my day. I took a sharp left down the paper goods aisle at lightning speed. As I reached for something on a shelf, my eyes met a familiar face. It was a woman I’d seen a hundred times before.
Without hesitation I gave her a big smile and an exuberant hello. But just before I threw my arms open for a warm embrace, she smirked and turned away. Faster than my face flushed, I realized that I’d never actually met this person. At least I’d never met her in real life. The truth is, we follow each other on Instagram and LinkedIn and often exchange comments on our posts. Yet, we’ve never connected beyond a like and a reply.
In that moment I had a realization: there is no amount of likes that can forge a true relationship. Social media has its benefits, but it doesn’t compare to the value of genuine authentic connections. If you never elevate your followers to friends, you’re missing out on the richness a true relationship has to offer.
Here are some tips for fostering powerful relationships in a virtual world: