Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

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June 20, 2008

Social Networking in Another Culture that Speaks a New Language

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:26 am

Ask Someone

The Living Web

Most folks find meeting new people and learning new situation stressful in some way. Yet, to keep moving forward, we have to be the “new kid who doesn’t know anything.”

And it’s not always timely or convenient. Just as we seem to know everyone, we turn a corner — online or offline — that takes us where it seems like we’re social networking in another culture that speaks a new language.

Are you like me? I become the proverbial “lurker.”

I find meeting new people in groups overwhelming. I stand on the sidelines hoping that folks’ll meet me instead. I take up observing rather than taking part. Observation is a start, but it’s not a great place to settle in. If everyone is doing the same thing, the middle of the “room” can be awfully empty.

I know better. I know situations are easier when I ask someone how things work.

If only I could remember that I don’t need to learn EVERYTHING by doing it wrong first.

Where do we find that networked, traveling, bilingual, cultural expert to help us hit the ground running on whatever new terrain we’re embarking? He’s everywhere. So is she.

The world is filled with smart people who answer questions. The trick is not to make the situation overwhelming and to learn little bits not tackling huge things. If we only ask each person one question, we can get a little education with out stressing any one of them. We’ll also get lots of tricks, techniques, and points of view to help us through the new situation. In no time we’ll be socially adept, culturally comfortable, and fluent in the new language, and someone will be asking us the questions we now have.

Whatever it is you’re trying to learn or conquer, don’t just watch. Wonder. T
Then ask a question.

Will you learn something small this weekend?

–ME “Liz” Strauss
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5 Comments to “Social Networking in Another Culture that Speaks a New Language”

  1. June 20th, 2008 at 9:03 am
    Recruitment Nick said

    Excellent post. As my name and blog will suggest I am in recruitment and marketing, in which networking plays a big part.

    When I first started I was nervous about doing these things, meeting new people etc. I didn’t want to be seen as being pushy, inept or giving the old ‘hard sell’ many recruiters are known for.

    But i found more and more that you didn’t have to come across pushy when you ask people questions. Indeed most people are
    a) happy to help people
    b) happy to be seen to know something
    and
    c) happy to talk about themselves

    So by asking people questions in any social or networking situations not only are you finding out useful information but you are in fact making people feel good about themselves. If you slip in what you do and your reason for being there they will often have something to say about that as well.

    Listening is a useful tool in any networking situation, but you need to get the conversation going (and ideally down the routes you want it to) before if becomes a truely great tool.

  2. June 21st, 2008 at 6:36 am
    Open-Source Λογισμικό που συνιστάται σε Ολους « OMADEON said

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  3. June 21st, 2008 at 9:39 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Recruitment Nick!
    How encouraging it is to see a recruiter who is so invested in the people he works with. :)

  4. June 21st, 2008 at 1:51 pm
    Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters said

    We’ve got to take small steps to get great places.

    Great post! I sometimes overwhelm myself because I think a situation seems to be bigger than it really is. I take a second to step back and try to appreciate the spot that I am in. It helps me gain perspective and feel lucky to do whatever it is I’m doing. Even giving a financial literacy talk to a bunch of bored teenagers is enjoyable.

  5. June 21st, 2008 at 4:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Karl,
    I have to remind myself to slow down and not expect to show or do everything right away too.

    Less is sometimes so much more.

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