About 18 months ago, I shared an article that 68% of executives weren’t on social media of any kind. Shocking nobody, the needle hasn’t moved over the past year despite to the rapid adoption of mobile devices.
(I also wrote CEOs aren’t on LinkedIn. I received a barrage of hate mail on that one. But it’s true.)
There are 2.3 million “top executives” in the United States per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are some people who call themselves CEOs and use social networking sites; however, the typical guy who’s running a business with more than one dollar in revenue doesn’t have time for work-related social networking.
He’s at global conferences connecting with investors and users. He might be on Facebook or Snapchat with his kids. Or he might be spying on his daughter on Instagram.
I know a lot of people, and I don’t know a single CEO who’s like you and me — sitting in her office, reviewing LinkedIn emails and wondering why someone didn’t personalize that invite a little more.
So the next time you get all judgy about the way in which someone approaches you on LinkedIn or other social networking sites, remind yourself that there are no rules. Social networking is just a game we’re playing while we are killing time, waiting for something exciting to happen in our lives.
(I’m waiting to win the lottery.)
While social networking can enhance our lives, I am here to remind you that the most successful people in America don’t rent their connections to data-mining companies. They own those relationships and connect with people in meaningful ways.
(Or they have their people connect with people in meaningful ways. Money and power will buy you that privilege.)
So why waste the time wondering why some people on Facebook have blocked out their walls or why someone on LinkedIn chooses to be anonymous? That’s not executive-level behavior. Accept everybody, accept nobody, or do what you do. Then turn off the computer and get outside.
Too chilly outside? Do what executives do. Head to the gym and counteract the effects of bad posture from sitting at your desk — and in front of the computer — for too long.
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