Recently I read through a negative exchange on Google+ that reminded me that I need to write this blog post.
The online dialogue was between two prominent tech personalities that were slinging a lot of mud at each other. The exchange led to name-calling, personal slights, bashing, and a huge list of comments from followers supporting one person or the other. The exchange brimmed with negativity.
One of the Tweeps I follow (and I recommend you do so as well) is Scott Williams. He wrote a FANTASTIC post on what he calls the GAP Method when you participate in social media. His piece centers on more about being careful with what you Tweet; however, I’ve utilized the principles he enumerated to carry beyond just being careful on Twitter. I’ve found his advice very sound in my life and I share the GAP Method as a key learning point when presenting or consulting with clients.
GAP stands for being
- Genuine – In all that you do in social media be yourself. Be genuine in your praise of others as well as in your critiques.
- Accurate – Be as accurate in your facts, data, quotes and references as possible. Don’t create or add to rumors, intrigues, misquotes or take things out of context.
- Positive – As a corporate executive my wife found that “energy creates energy” and that positive energy has positive effects. This one is the key for me. I’ve found as I stay positive everything feels better, flows better, and has better outcomes for all involved.
The world has plenty of negativity without me adding anything more to it. You’ll find I try to be consistent in being positive, by adding to the overall social media Body of Knowledge, as it were, and I’ve found my wife’s conclusions to be accurate in that “energy creates energy” whether positive or negative.
I’m certain that following the GAP Method has been key to my own successes in social media and that you will find it works for you as well.
All the best,