If you’re not an idiot, you’ve seen the movie. Now, with even bigger hair and sweeter dance moves, five hints on social networking from the master, Napoleon Dynamite!
1. Give, like, creative and real compliments.
“You have a sweet bike. And you’re really good at hooking up with chicks. Plus you’re like the only guy at school who has a mustache.”
Take time each day to give genuine compliments to the people around you. Having trouble thinking of things? Make an effort to take joy in small things and you’ll soon find things to compliment. The barista who remembers what coffee you like? Say more than “thanks” next time you get a dark roast. The coworker who always adds a creative edge to projects? Take a moment to recognize the added value and share how much you appreciate it! Once you make a habit of giving compliments, you’ll find they flow off your tongue without much effort at all. When you are known for recognizing value in the people around you, your network will grow.
2. Don’t let other people take up all your time or space or eat all your steak.
“Well, I have all your equipment in my locker. You should probably come get it cause I can’t fit my numchucks in there anymore.”
In order to successfully pursue your own passions, it’s vital that you set limits on how you let others use your time. When your social network is small, it’s tempting to instantly pick up the phone, answer emails, IM, text, tweet, comment, Digg, Stumble, and give a video response to every nudge, ping, poke, and beg that comes across you table. This can grow into a monster that spreads you so thin that you no longer have energy for yourself and the people you hold most dear. The monster will also eat your steak.
3. Put your connections to work for others so they get sweet stuff, too.
“Pedro offers you his protection.”
You may not know somebody with skills to save people from certain destruction, but you might know the owner of the best place in town to get tots when you’re hungry! A great networker isn’t just a resource but a channel through which the needs and talents of others connect. A good friend comes to your house and tries to help you fix your toilet. A great networker knows a trustworthy plumber who will fix your toilet and takes you out for a drink to celebrate the victory!
4. Have a totally awesome story and tell it like its just happened!
“I spent it [the summer] with my uncle in Alaska hunting wolverines! [I shot] Like 50 of ‘em! They kept trying to attack my cousins, what the heck would you do in a situation like that?”
If you live an interesting life, your network will grow organically out of the connections you make in your travels and conversations with new people. It’s important to strengthen those connections by including others in your story and telling it in an exciting way. One of the powerful human emotions is the one that comes through reminiscing about past adventures. Make sure you’re a part of as many adventures as possible and share those stories with the people you meet. There’s no need to brag though. Not everybody gets to spend their summers in Alaska.
5. Find out what makes others happy and help them do those things.
“Sorry I’m late. I just got done taming a wild honeymoon stallion for you guys.”
If you take the time to learn about the people in your network, you’ll soon find that many people have dreams that are entirely possible given a bit of your help. They might not want to ride off into the sunset on a honeymoon stallion, and you might not be able to even tame a wild and dangerous horse. But you might know a realtor who shares great deals or a landscaper who can make a magical garden. Combine your talents with knowledge of the people you care about to create a strong and delicious network.
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Written by Seth Simonds for The Talent Buzz blog post contest. Photo via bebo.com.
Gosh! You’re right!
Yes, sharing your passion for exciting things you’re skilled at like drawing and using a bow staff will definitely start a crowd around you.
Is there a substitute for the handwritten note or does it simply become more valuable as it’s use declines?
Here’s a youtube clip of the top 10moments to get you started. Lots of fun! http://bit.ly/XL6eQ
It’s like you read my mind! Especially the part about tampons.
Finally, some decent advice on social networking that goes beyond setting up a twitter ID to generate more traffic to your site. Great angle using Napoleon Dynamite. I especially agree with 2 and 3. I have to take time out for my self and go have those interesting experiences to share instead of reading everyone else who is out there creating great stories. In social networking one of the things I enjoy most is putting my connections to work for others. When my friends and connections have problems that need to be solved, I get to work trying to find a solution, or someone who has a solution. It’s kind of a fun game for me.
Isn’t it JUST TERRIBLE to have so much fun while being so productive? =)
Setting up a Twitter ID…really won’t do much for a site’s traffic unless you’re trying to go from 5 hits a day to 10 hits. What it does do is provide added connectivity through which a person can make new connections and use interesting conversations to engage people who eventually become readers. It truly is a lot of fun!
Yesssssssssssssssssssss.
While I like the whole list I have to say 2,3, and 5 are things I try to do as much as possible. *laughs* The use of Napoleon Dynamite for the guide is a bonus, might be a good idea for a monthly feature for something both informative AND a laugh? If not Napoleon perhaps other characters?
Great tips Napoleon, I mean, Seth! You have really good skills. If only you could offer me, like, 75% off on my glamour shots…in all seriousness, this is great advice, thanks for sharing!
I keep sending people the link to this hilarious article. Finally I posted it in my “Twitter Stellars” on my website. & thanks for teaching me to be tactful – one of the best things I’ve learned on Twitter!
Fondly
suzanneally
Resisting the urge to quote a few lines or even throw in a “Gosh,” I’ll just say that I knew right away I was in for some great advice. I wasn’t disappointed! Thanks Seth.
I should learn more from Napoleon.