How many fish really do just jump in the net? The Art of Authentic Connections in the Digital Age

This week, in my Ponderings, I want to share the balance of social networking and Social Media. I have recently been booked to do a number of talks to Sales People in larger companies. I believe my message about building closer relationships with people in business is getting through, and yet, it is not that easy if they have not been doing it before.

I find it very easy to have conversations with people. I started my sales career at 19, in 1983, we relied on creating trust and therefore sales,? through conversations.

How many fish really do jump into a net?

It is different now, many people entering the sales world, whether as ‘Corporate Refugees’ becoming self employed and selling themselves for the first time, or younger people, starting out in sales, the reality is that since 2009, Social Media, ‘telling the world your thoughts’,? has been a more natural pathway to connect, however, there is far more to lead generation than broadcast. How many fish really do jump into a net?

As we navigate our digital landscape to win great clients, the essence of true success lies in the authenticity of our personal brand and the depth of our relationships. Reflecting on "Know Me, Like Me, Follow Me," my book written in 2008, during the transformative shift from social networking to social media, I wanted to highlight the importance of remaining connected through meaningful interactions.

My goal, has always been to travel through a method as follows:

Know me, is all about what you want to be known for

Like Me, is about my why, my values, my beliefs, my personal way to make a difference.

Follow Me, is about creating the write technology to know who my followers are.

I learned sales with this process in 1983

1. Who are my suspects - the people out in the world that might be right for my service/product
2. How do I encourage them to become Prospects - qualified well and definitely someone I can help.
3. Once qualified, what does it take for them to trust me enough to become my customers.

You can now see why, in this modern world of selling, I changed this to “Know Me, Like Me, Follow Me".

The Art of Genuine Connection?

At the core of successful relationships is a simple truth: people engage with those they know, like, and trust, it is not enough to just create followers. This isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being known for who you truly are.?

Thus the return now to Social Networking

Social networking is not a new term, however, now when you Google it, it is dominated by the Internet use of this term.

Social networking is as old as business, networking was done on golf clubs, in wine bars at the end of a week. The term ‘social’ is the critical part, it was about getting to know YOU, WHO you are not just WHAT you do.

Although the Internet has made it more famous as a term, being ‘social’? allows us to create these deep, authentic connections by sharing our true selves, our stories, and our values in personal and engaging ways.

From Visibility to Trust Authenticity attracts people.?

Being genuinely known involves sharing not just your successes but also your vulnerabilities and your journey. Consider the story of a man deeply committed to psychological safety. His career journey was from joining the military and then into the police force, and now to a leader in creating psychologically safe workplaces. When you know his truth, you see how his journey mirrors his childhood experiences and his intrinsic need to protect and create safe environments. Understanding his background, we see how his life’s work is a powerful expression of his core values and passions. This won’t be shared on Social Media, but it will be shared in safe spaces and in conversations.

Cultivating Meaningful Relationships?

Genuine relationships are built on more than transactions; they are forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. Our community lunches, for example, provide a space where individuals like him can share their stories, revealing the profound and often moving reasons behind their career choices.

Integrating Personal and Digital Interactions Today’s digital tools offer unprecedented opportunities to reach wider audiences, but they must be used wisely to enhance, not replace, the personal connections that are the foundation of trust and understanding.

Embrace Authentic Engagement?

Let your true self guide your interactions, both online and off. As you navigate the digital world, remember the power of real conversations and the impact of truly knowing someone, not just as a contact but as a person.

This week, as you ponder your own path, think about how your values and passions drive your professional life. How can you use your unique story to foster deeper connections and build a place in a community that values authenticity and psychological safety.

As always, I am eager to hear your thoughts and experiences with balancing personal authenticity with digital presence. Let’s support each other in our journeys to deeper self-acceptance and community connection.

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Let's make 2025 a year where our digital advancements celebrate and amplify our human essence. Thank you for being part of this journey, and for allowing me the privilege to share in your lives.