Using Social Media to Listen

I made a statement to a colleague recently about how “I was talking when I should have been listening” and he laughed whole heartedly at me. It was then I knew I was in trouble. I realized I had become that person. The one who jabbers away and doesn’t take the time to listen enough. However, somehow the crazy ‘powers that be @ BB’ don’t mind so much and decided to give me my own blog anyways. I think they might need a head check but that’s a topic for another day.

Having my own blog about social media and technology got me thinking. If I’m going to be blogging about geeky things that interest me, I better be doing more than just sharing the thoughts jumping around my head. I should also be a blogger that listens to what’s going on and shares that with other people who might not have the time to listen or might not know what it means. After all, maybe I’m not the only person having a hard time listening especially when social websites like twitter, facebook, flickr, and delicious encourage us to share, tweet, and comment. If we only use these tools to give then we’re missing out on the power of absorbing what other people need, ask, and have to give.

These networking tools are not one way paths. Just as you can search for the information you need, tell people what you think, and provide timely news to your readers, you can do the same for others. Listen to what they have to say and maybe you’ll be the one to help them when they speak out. Favors given are often favors returned in remarkable and unexpected ways.

This endeavor to listen will be the goal for my blog. I want to share the creative ways to think and use social media as well as to provide the great information I hear about. I’m sure I’ll still insert my chatterbox ways into posts every now and then. Okay so maybe it’ll be more often because I just can’t stop myself. However, maybe we can go on this journey together. After all, there is so much wonderful information out there and I can’t possibly read and find it all.