Comments on: Hoping You’ll Ask Me To Dance

By: Ingrid Koehler

Ingrid Koehler — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:29:05 +0000

I followed Irene because I was just searching for Twitter folk with the last name Koehler one day. As someone named Ingrid Koehler an Irene Koehler on Twitter was irresistible. I guess that’s a fairly random reason to ask someone to dance… given that most of my work is around local government in the UK.

But she has added tremendous value to my Twitter stream, always lots of useful Tweets and tips – and she’s certainly inspired me to boost my LinkedIn profile. So, I guess sometimes the random pairing off on the dance floor is a risk well worth taking.

By: Cath

Cath — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:47:42 +0000

inspired…i loved reading this…im so inadequate with the rules therefore I my approach is to stomp across the dance floor, saying something wholly inappropriate and slinking back into my lonely corner with the disapproving eyes bearing holes into the back of my skull….
I find that forums like this and fb enable the less social flutterbys to show their true inner selves, to flourish and grow using the energy of others…this in turn can only benefit the greater good..and before long…a garden of good blooms sits before us!
I don’t understand those who choose just to preach at the yet to be converted…they surely don’t get turned on by the music and stand by the bar all night just looking on.

By: Ruben

Ruben — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:30:12 +0000

Irene-

Brilliant analogy! I’ve asked you to dance, but I don’t believe we have yet stepped out on the dance floor together.

By: Ken Jacobs

Ken Jacobs — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:51:24 +0000

I don’t believe one is obligated to follow everyone who follows him/her–it should be a matter of choice.

Whenever someone follows me, I look at their bio/website. If I sense that I can possibly learn something from them–about PR, social media, consulting or coaching, or even about life–and perhaps can offer something to them, I definitely follow them.

But when I check out their bio/website, if there’s nothing there, I don’t follow them. If it seems like all they want to do is market something to me, I don’t follow them. If their key areas are of no interest to me–say astrophysics–I make the choice not to follow them.

I realize there’s some risk that I’ll miss out on some insights from some wise people. I have to trust that the benefit I’ll get by managing the time I spend on Twitter outweighs that risk. (And fortunately, I’m learning much from those I choose to follow.)

When I first joined Twitter, I was told by my social media mentor not to worry about how many followers I get, but instead to focus on following those from whom I’ll learn, RTing smart tweets, giving regularly to the community with helpful information/insights, and being transparent. I’m working on all of the above.

By: Holly M aka kitty42

Holly M aka kitty42 — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:31:21 +0000

Hi! Enjoyed the post. In looking for folks to follow, I frequently use search engines to locate other animal and sports lovers. Sometimes you can find good folks to follow through other’s Twitter sites. I’m always happy when someone follows back, or initiates the follow. I always block the spammers. Just getting the hang of adding pictures to my site-should progress hopefully. Met alot of social media folks through Twitter, and it has enlightened me to a whole new spectrum of business. I’ve learned alot from these folks. I’m still relatively new to Twitter, and continue to hone my application of the network. I originally joined Twitter for CNN writings. Never expected it to grow as it has. I’m enjoying the ride.
Thanks for your blog post!

By: Julie Gallaher

Julie Gallaher — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:44:59 +0000

I love this post & your analogy.

Some people I follow are authorities – I don’t expect them to follow back – I’m a student of their advice. But, there are a lot of tweeple who I follow because I think we have common interests and maybe we can share ideas, conversate, network etc. If they don’t follow back I figure they aren’t interested in that and I unfollow.

When someone follows me I look at their bio and 1st page of tweets – if we have something in common I follow back. If they only broadcast or sell I don’t.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:14:11 +0000

I love the analogy and remember those high school dances. Keep dancing and dance with everyone you like. They will certainly appreciate it.

By: Dale Mazurek

Dale Mazurek — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:36:24 +0000

I know I couldnt have wrote a better post. Your points are all so true. I was very reluctant to get into using Twitter. I will be honest I am an affiliate marketer and Twitter has been great for me. However you wont find me spamming the site with links every 30 seconds.

As for following and followers I actually dont pay much attention except when people leave because at that point I feel I am doing something wrong and dont want that.

Anyways excellent post and sorry I didnt get to replying yesterday

Dale

By: Tom Bonner

Tom Bonner — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:10:23 +0000

Hi Irene –

I don’t mind it so much when someone doesn’t follow me back — but when someone stops following that stings. “Was it something I said…”

Enjoy your tweets –

Tom ( @wolf10 )

By: jeff korhan

jeff korhan — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:06:47 +0000

Maybe the key is the type of dance.

For me, I think of it as a karmic dance – looking for something you have in common. Sometimes you make a connection and other times not. Life works the same way. There are so many opportunities right in front of our eyes, but we only see the ones we’re ready for.

That’s the great value in Twitter. It’s non-selective in that anyone can follow you. It’s up to you to find the connection. You can’t do that if you don’t follow them back. And if you have the attitude that you will find a connection, then you are much more likely to do so.

Jeff Korhan