I’m certain you’ve met people through Facebook, your blog or even Twitter. You connect with a few select friends and followers who are genuine professionals with solid reputations in the world of social media. Even though you’ve never actually met the people in person - you connect, tweet and in some cases, collaborate and partner.

What happens when these relationships go bad? What do you do about it?

When these relationships go bad, remember that people show up in everything they do just as they are. You can see it if you take time to observe, listen and feel what’s real and true. This is a time when patience as a virtue pays big. When people are less than gracious in their interactions, it doesn’t really change over time. Pay attention!

Keep in mind that social media creates a false sense of professionalism. The informality of 140 characters often masks less than favorable character flaws. True professionalism is present no matter what happens in the relationship. Make sure you always maintain an attitude of professionalism even when the other person has a  foul or unprofessional attitude. You have a duty to yourself to be the bigger person at all times. It’s those challenging times that truly bring out the best in each of us.

Own your own stuff by acknowledging your contributions to the problem. Yes, you played a role, too!  Personal responsibility is huge and the sooner you face it, the better off you can be. Remember, not everyone sees the world through the same lens that you do. Reflect on how you can learn and grow from the experience. Apply these "learnings"
in the future to ensure social media relationship success.

My mother always taught me to choose my friends carefully. Being somewhat of a rebel, I’ve always trusted until something came up that gave me a reason to question the trust. It’s the know-like-trust factor! In that very order, you must invest the time getting to know your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Take your time getting to know your select friends’ character and strengths. Follow your heart to determine if you truly like the person and your values are aligned. Then - and only then, are you able to trust and continue building the relationship. Then, you’re able to connect, collaborate, partner and definitely entrust your friendships in social media.

What are your thoughts? How do you handle social media relationships gone bad? I’d love to know your comments.
 

I was privileged to be a guest on Passions, a live internet radio show, hosted by Exceptional Expert — the phenomenal, Beverly Mahone. We talked about Twitter and some of the snobs we’ve encountered.

I graciously admitted that I am a in fact a Twitter Snob. I think my admission shocked Bev and her listeners until I explained what I meant.

I believe in focusing my time and attention on people who will benefit from my information and vice versa. My goal is to enrich the lives and businesses of my followers and connect with people who enrich mine. I enjoy spending quality time chatting with like-minded individuals because it makes my life and business more meaningful. Whether I’m discussing online marketing with Internet marketing gurus, chatting with my coaching colleagues, or sharing quotes, tips and strategies to help businesses grow; it’s important to create win-win relationships for all involved.

How does this help you?

Maximize your characters.
Remember, you only have 140 characters to share your personality, showcase your strengths and invest in creating great relationships with your Twitter followers. You have to make every character count. It’s necessary to be strategic with your time to leverage those precious few characters, effectively.

Engage in conversations.
Invest your efforts on Twitter wisely to guarantee conversations — TWO-WAY communication. People love it when you draw them into your conversation and include them in what you have to say. It’s equally important to express interest in what others are saying. Twitter as a micro blogging tool is taking conversation to its finest points by challenging you to be clear about what you want to provide and what you want to receive. I absolutely love it!

Manage your followers wisely.
Unfortunately, everyone on Twitter doesn’t get it. It bugs me when people are constantly sending links my way as though they don’t have to talk to me. I move very quickly to unfollow these link-peddlers. I also unfollow people who use fowl or offensive language. It clutters up my Twitter stream. I have too much respect for myself and my reputation to tolerate that! Remember your followers see your @replies, too. Take great care in this regard.

Let your REAL personality show.
It truly helps you to become more genuine to the people with whom you are connecting. If your marketing plan includes posting a few tweets throughout your day, then be you every time. People are attracted to you when they get to know you. Personality is so very important. Potential clients want clear assurances that you are likeable and trustworthy.

Being a Twitter snob is necessary for connecting with people who enrich you that you get to support and enrich, too.

Hey, are you a Twitter snob?