Credit: Old Wendy’s ad, see next interactive link. (1:30.)
Is digital leadership a given or skill developed with true teaching? Answer: Neither. Here’s why:
1.) Spam, spam and more spam. Retailers send huge flows vs. what they get or receive. There are simply too many irrelevant emails now to discern the What or Where. Or most importantly, the Why. Technocrats are rarely present teaching or educating, mainly because they speak a different, digital language
2.) Filters. Are ways to focus more easily non-existent or considered too technical for caring? Just asking the question so we don’t have to unload so much spam.
3.) Transactions vs. Relationships. For an older version, please see http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2015/10/which-came-first-relationship-chicken.html. Transactions now outrank by a pretty wide margin. That’s partly why so many are on the Internet all the time sending messages that some see and others don’t.
4.) Texts have replaced email at urgency or hourly/daily level. But there aren't any accepted practices other than "get outta here," or non-response ghosting. Which leads to the following reality…
5.) Ghosts now rule all the channels. (ref. previous entry.) Like everything else except not winning, digital comms. rarely produce an outcome. Unless you're simply selling widgets. Or jewelry and clothes that have already been approved. Ghosting now transcends on-line to be off-line, too.
Here’s a recommended approach to be a digital communications leader vs. digital dummy:
1.) Respond at least once, directly and indirectly. Set time to connect directly, if necessary or desired. Then if nothing happens, or there's no mutually discussed need, exit digital stage left. Save the actual phone for those who check a few boxes.
2.) Follow on chosen or shared media, such as LinkedIn (first, professionally), Facebook or Instagram, the top style-driven social media site.
3.) If and after direct engagement, thank you emails or physically mailed notes/cards (Gasp!) help if there's perceived shared desire present. If there’s not, move along at the speed of…text.
Thoughts? Let TGR know if there any other essentials to manage this mandatory category called Digital Leadership. Happy on-line living!
