Social Media Overload

One of the hottest trends in marketing right now is social media marketing. Business of all sizes and from all industries are on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, niche social networking sites, blogs…name it.

Me like many others realized that while social media has some undeniable benefits, it can also be a bit overwhelming at times. If you went all out and created profiles on numerous websites and started a growing blog, you already know just how much time it can take to manage everything.

Sometimes we forget that there’s more than Facebook and Twitter.  New social media services rising up all the time. These fast- growing social network services are perhaps not the most popular networks in absolute numbers, but the use of these social network services takes surprising increase.

Last Tuesday, marketing agency “ Ignite Social Media”  published some interesting facts  about the use of social networks. Despite the fact that the interest in social networking stayed equal the last two years there are some striking differences in the popularity statistics.   The following social network sites are some of the fast growing ones.

Tumblr

Tumblr can be seen as an extended version of Twitter. Both services have one thing in common, that is that they are both existing out off micro blogs. The differences is the fact that there is no limitation in characters. On the other hand can text contain, moving images, audio, quotes and links in a ‘tumble blog’ .  It is a collection of blog pages with a social element, because users can follow each other’s posts in their own dashboard.  Also, certain topics and themes with a hashtag (#) can be sorted. Although the service (Tumblr) has been declared dead by critics during the last five years, the site became unusually popular in the last years. Popular sites are those of the newspaper New York Times and Huffington Post.

David Karp and Marco Arment are the two developers of Tumblr, they started it in 2007. In March 2011 3,8 billion messages were sent by users of Tumblr  and nearly 15 million blogs were written.  Also by famous people such as, Leonard Cohen, John Legend, Katy Perry and Justine Bateman

Weibo

Weibo is a Chinese micro blogging site similar to Twitter. However, this Chinese micro blog service is not a concurrent of Twitter but more a replacer. This because, Twitter is forbidden in Asian countries. Although Weibo seems the same service as Twitter, they are different to each other.  It is not a secret that micro blogs with more than  100 million members are been censored. Also, the service contains a lot of advertisement because it is possible to create accounts for groups and events.

Weibo is launched by Sina Corporation (China’s biggest web portal) in August 2009.  It has more than 100 million users and millions of posts per day, and is adding 10 million new users per month. The company also said it now has more than 60,000 verified accounts, consisting of celebrities, sports stars and others VIPs. Futhermore, Sina said that more than 5,000 companies and 2,700 media organizations in China are currently using Weibo.

Reddit

Reddit is an American social news site where users add and change their own messages. Reddit is a source of what’s new and popular online. Users can vote on links that they like or dislike. Also, users can filter with an account on the news flow released, so they will see personalized messages. Reddit is a popular medium for movies and striking images. 

Reddit is owned by Conde Nast Digital, a company of Advance Magazine publisher Inc. The site was launched in 2005.

StumbleUpon

Stumble Umpon is a social search engine that allows users share interesting web pages. The user can make a separate account or login with your Facebook login information. Based on your interest you selected yourself, you get articles, photos and videos based on your interests. Also, you can leave comments to these posts and the funniest or most interesting links can be linked to your network.
StumbleUpon was founded in November 2001 by Garret Camp, Geoff Smith, Justin LaFrance and Eric Boyd during post- graduate school in Canada.





Its up to you if you want to join some of the described social media sites...I think for me it is to early!


Thank you for reading again..

Denise

Friendships and relationships through Social Media

Nowadays we are using social media tools all the time, our communication take place through email, instant messaging, and other electronic ways.  In addition to what we express verbally (face- to- face), there are many other facets to communication that make up a comprehensive message. Some 93% of what we are thinking is said non- verbally.  When we think of non- verbal communication, we think of body language, hand gestures of facial expressions. But what happens in online conversations if 93% of what we are thinking is said non- verbally, how are we going to detect this thoughts? And is it possible to form new friendships or relationships?  In science, there are two conflicting perspectives about computer mediated communication called  ' Lost'  and ' Liberated' .

Lost

The first perspective ‘Lost’ assumes that communication through computers lacks many aspects of traditional communications, such as physical presence, social, nonverbal and contextual cues.  Also they say, social relationships are superficial, not personal and often hostile, group formation is an illusion and there is little information available to misunderstandings and ambiguities. The bottom line is that computer mediated communication through datingsites, social networksites, e-mail and other forms are anti-social.

Liberated

The second perspective ‘Liberated’ assumes that communication through computer makes relationships free (liberated) from physical proximity and therefore offers many opportunities for new, real and interpersonal relationships. Computer mediated communication is therefore true relational and the lack of physical presence actually offers opportunities.   In other words, computer mediated communication is social.

Everyone will have a different point of view about these two perspectives and you will have yours. With this in mind I wrote a piece for one of my courses about communication and online friendships.  The main question was;

“Is it possible to form a close friendship or relationsships through online communication?”

Based on several existing theories, I believe that it is possible to form close friendships or relationships through online communication. I believe that the internet can be a good starting point for the emergence of a friendship or a relationship. For example, forums where members communicate with each other about shared interests. According to Berger and Calabrese (two researchers in this field) people find each other nicer in online meetings compared to offline meetings. Because people have limited information about the other person they will search for information to make a first impression. More information about the other person makes him or her more predictable. More information leads to a more secure en comfortable feeling. Another research by two scientists (Chan en Cheng) shows that offline friendships are deeper, more understanding and more intimate compared to online friendships. But on the other hand, the quality of friendships improved for both online and offline friendships as the relationship lasts. However, a theory of Walther (1992) argues that it is possible to form online interpersonal relationships but is takes more time compared to face-to-face relationships. Also, studies of Park en Roberts (1998) demonstrated that individuals within online friendships use other tools for communication over time, such as telephone, letters and even inter- personal communication.

In conclusion

The internet in my opinion could be a good starting point for establishing friendships, because people find other people nicer in online meetings. Offline friendships are deeper compared to online friendships, but the quality of both “offline” and “online” friendships improve after time expires. Because people after time expire, use other communication tools to maintain the friendship. There is an offline friendship born out of an online meeting.

Thank you for reading my blog this week!

See you next time...

Denise

Learn about my generation

Generation Y (also known as the Millennials) is a term used for people born in de mid- 1980 and later. Some people within this generation are still teenagers others are around their thirty’s . I am born in 1987 and somewhere in the middle of this generation ‘Y’.  They say, people in this generation (twenty and thirty- something) have a number of striking characteristics. First of all, they feel that freedom and self-determination are really valuable. They do not want to be limited in their choices so they keep all options open. On the other hand, next to this freedom, the current twenty and thirty- something person wants to bond, connect and settle more often. Also, self development must contribute to the society. It seems to be that freedom and solidarity are no opposites for my generation.  Because of this freedom, many young adults do not know what they really want. For example, there are a large number of study and career opportunities. It is not uncommon for this generation to be stuck in their own choices.  People within generation Y are in their 20’s and are just entering the workforce, they are the fastest growing segment of today’s workforce. This new generation is beginning to interfere in business and government. Within organizations a generation switch is taking place. This process can be positive to the economic and social health of organizations.  One problem is that this new generation takes over existing and old routines within the company. Young people know where new approaches are needed, but their knowledge and strengths are often underestimated. Too often they adapt to and are absorbed by existing cultures within the company.

 Miscommunication between different generations within the Company

Awareness of the generation differences within the company can ovoid miscommunication for example between managers and employees. Take a look at the following example;

An experienced older manager presents his strategic vision to a group of young employees (generation Y). This distinct vision stimulates the group of young employees to think. Within a short period the group of young employees point out the exact weak part of the strategy. The manager is visibly disappointed and again he explains what he meant. With a persuasive strategy he seeks for support within the group, but this is not happening. The manager does not recognize the added value of this new group employees and they will fee useless. Eventually their attention drops away. 

This example illustrates the importance of awareness of the generation differences within a company.  To integrate this ‘generation switch’, a lot of time, awareness and cooperation is needed to succeed. If young managers and professionals learn from the day they enter the organization how to convert their knowledge into good work, a connection between cooperating and learning existing. This should be accompanied by the awareness of the value of each generation ‘old and young’. Integrating the new into the existing is the key point.

What to know about generation Y


Family- Centric: The fast- track has lost much of its appeal for Generation Y who is willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a better work/ life balance. While older generations may view this attitude as narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, generation Y legal professionals have a different vision of workplace expectations and prioritize family over work.

Tech- Savvy: Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with Blackberrys, laptops, cellphones and other gadgets, Generation Y is plugged- in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face- to- face contact and webinars and online technology to traditional lecture- based presentations.

Achievement- Oriented:Nurtured and pampered by parents who dit not want to make the same mistakes of the previous generations, Generation Y is confident, ambitious and achievement oriented. They have high expectations of their employers, seek out new challanges and are not afraid of question authority. Generation Y wants meaningful work and a solid learning curve.

Team Oriented:As children, Generation Y participated in team sports and play other group activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and affirmation of others. Part of a no-person-left-behind generation, generation Y is loyal, committed and wants to be included and involved.

Attention Craving:Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and reassurance. Generation Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help guide and develop their young careers.

So, that's it for this week, thanks for visiting and reading my blog i hope you find it interesting. Next week their will be a new topic on miscommunication..

See you next time...

Denise

Actie Koninklijke marine in Libie mislukt door miscommunicatie?

Maart 2011

De reddingsactie door drie Nederlandse militairen in Libië is mogelijk mislukt door onvoldoende inlichtingen vooraf, of doordat de hele operatie verraden is. Dat zegt defensie-expert Rob de Wijk. Als ze gedood zouden worden, dan was dat al gebeurd de afgelopen dagen.Bij de mislukte reddingsactie, bij de stad Sirte, kwamen drie Nederlandse militairen in handen van het Libische regime van Muammar Khaddafi. Een boordhelikopter vloog vanaf marinefregat Hr. Ms. Tromp naar de Libische stad om daar twee evacués op te pikken.Na de landing werd de bemanning overvallen door een gewapende groep regeringsgezinde Libiërs,Premier Rutte zegt op alle mogelijke niveau’s diplomatiek verkeer” te hebben met de Libische autoriteiten. Het is een verschrikkelijke kwestie. Verder kan ik er in het belang van de gevangen militairen in Libië geen mededelingen over doen.”

september 2010

Miscommunicatie leidde bijna tot drama boven Londen

In Londen is een vliegtuigdrama maar net vermeden. Een vliegtuig van Turkish Airlines met 232 passagiers aan boord kwam boven de olympische site van de stad op een haar na in botsing met een zakenvliegtuig. Dat blijkt uit een officieel rapport dat gisteren is vrijgegeven. Miscommunicatie en een menselijke fout lagen aan de basis van de 'bijna -botsing'.

Het incident speelde zich op 27 juli van vorig jaar af en leidde ertoe dat de luchtverkeerleiders nieuwe en strengere veiligheidsmaatregelen in gebruik hebben genomen om een drama boven de Britse hoofdstad te vermijden.

Het zakenvliegtuig, een Cessna Citation, met twee bemanningsleden en één passagier aan boord was net opgestegen van London City Airport, toen de piloot van de controletoren toestemming kreeg om te klimmen tot 3.000 voet. De piloot antwoordde dat hij zou klimmen tot 4.000 voet, maar die boodschap werd niet opgepikt door de controletoren.

Intercultural miscommunication

First of all, to understand how miscommunication between different cultures happens we need to know the definition of the word ‘perception’.  Perception is a process in which people proceed information from their environment. It is how we feel, hear, see or smell the world around us. In other words, perception is the process of attaining awareness and understanding information. Perception is culture- dependent and the largest part is taught by our parents, school and environment. The following example implies that, if children grow up in the same environment, live in de same neighborhood, go to the same school and have the same friends, their experiences and observations of the world will probably be the same. If all children in the neighborhood go to church on Sunday, none of the children would consider to go to the playground on that day. Because they have similarities in their perception it will be easier to communicate with each other, they now the rules. These similarities include language, rituals, beliefs, norms and values.

So back to cultures “First of all, what is a culture?” Culture is everything you have ever learned about how to communicate and how to think about things. You learn all this by, talking to others, observing how they talk to you and observing how others react to your way of talking. Communication between people with different backgrounds and perceptions is more complicated compared to communication between people with the same background. In general, it can be said that effective communication will occur if the cultural background of people is similar.  The fact that perception is strongly influenced by culture implies that people with different cultural backgrounds can even assign different meanings to similar things. Thus, in all cultures a cat, a dog or an elephant may have the same label or name. However, the meaning of that name varies by cultural differences. In some cultures, like ours, a dog is a pet and companion, in other cultures it is regarded as functional and used for surveillance.

Language
Language differences between people are the most typical indicators for intercultural communication. First of all people can hardly communicate with each other, but also the indirect effects have major consequences. Even if people use a third language, the mother-language still influences the effectiveness of the conversation. Thus, the mother-language influences the think and reasoning skills of people and their communications styles.

Non verbal communication            
Also differences in nonverbal behaviors can provide misunderstandings in intercultural communication. Cultures differ in the way they use gestures such as, eye contact, emotional facial expression and touch behavior during the communication. When it comes to issues such as eye contact, distance and behaviors, a distinction can be made between ‘contact cultures’ and ‘non-contact’ cultures.

Standards and values
Cultures also differ in their standards and values, such as the way ‘sorrow’ and ‘joy’ are experienced. Also the way people perceive and structure time is different, in one culture it is an obligation to be on time, while in another culture, a more flexible view of time is used. For example doing more than one activity at the same time in Latin America can be seen as a sign of lack of attention and carelessness in North America.

Business and globalization
Another important term connected to culture- communication is ‘globalization’ this is a process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a global network of political ideas through communication, transportation and trade. Businesses are crossing bounderies. In this world, is doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, it doesn’t matter what nation or culture you come from, it is necessary to know some very important facts when it comes down to business across cultures.

Other people, although they may dress like you, speak your language or work in the same company, are different en not just like you. You will work with people who have different backgrounds, languages, gestures, humor, sense of time and ways of doing business. It is important to know the rules, if you are interacting with people from other cultures, you need to know something about them.

Inter- cultural understanding does not come overnight, it will only come with preparation, effort, and an open mind.

                                          

Miscommunication between man and women

Nowadays men and women are equal but women have not always had the same status as men. I think we can all agree that this is a positive change. But the fact remains that there are gender differences in appearance, behavior and communication. It is striking that men and women in many situations, adopt different attitudes and gestures.

One of the reasons that communication between men and women often do not go well is because of the different point of view. Women usually talk out their feelings and forget to say which needs are behind this feeling. For example, a woman says to her husband: “I feel so alone” (she expects that he will understand that she likes it when he stays home tonight) The man would say; “Call a friend or grab or watch a movie”. The woman can then be disappointed, misunderstood and even lonelier.

Men talk mostly from their needs, and forget to explain the feelings hiding behind these needs. For example, a man says; “I want you to stay at home tonight (he expects that she will understand that he feels alone) on the other hand, the women may say. “Well, I decided to go out for a drink. In this case the man can be disappointed.

In conclusion, if men will express their feeling behind their needs more and women will speak out their needs behind their feelings more, they both can feel much more understood.

The communication of women is to maintain relationships; communication to men is for implantation and accomplishments of tasks. For women, the relationship is more important than the content, they focus more on maintaining the relationship, they are helpful and are happy to assist one another. Women are better talkers than men and do so much more than men. They like to build an exciting story around the existing facts. Therefore, they say something they have experienced from the beginning to the end and keep the punch line for last. When they talk about their problems, they expect their partner mostly to listen instead of bringing a quick solution. Also, they are very interested in the nonverbal messages and they focus on atmosphere and emotion. Themselves, they use a lot of facial expressions and gestures to make their intentions clear. They assess the situation not only the facts but also on their feelings and ‘feminine’ intuition. Women have a better overview and are more relationship (team) focused.

“Perhaps that makes us better managers”

A study by Deborah Tannen provides the different styles of communication between men and women. Men tend to speak more in public places, however, women speak more at home. Women are more intimate with each other and make eye contact when they talk to each other, while men tend to look at each other less. Women can detail about a subject, while man jump more from topic to topic. When women are listening, they make more sounds like “mhm, uhu”. However, not all research supports these results.

Do we speak the same language?

Men and women may think they speak the same language, but our words have completely different meaning. Men use them for communication and information. For women it is a means to solve problems, reduce stress, feel better, and create emotional ties to stimulate creativity and new ideas. Women pursue certain rituals that men do not know. For example, apologies are not to admit guilt, but to clarify: I’m sorry that this happened to you.

Move your hand in the world of the opposite sex, and then communication will be successful.

Tips for men
Ask specific questions showing that you know what she is doing.
Make eye contact when she talks to you or shake your hand.
If you say you'll do something, make sure you do it.
Create a reassuring gesture if they do something wrong.
If a discussion of the emotions up, then read a pause.

Tips for women
Only complain if you can imagine a solution.
Give a man always credit and recognition if he has achieved something.
Be optimistic about his chances of success.
Do not put an expert to come to him to point out errors.
Try to say no in a nice way.

How does miscommunication happen?

Miscommunication frequently occurs in our everyday lives. This is a result of many different factors as information is transmitted

When we misinterpret the real meaning of words, miscommunication can happen. We get a different meaning of the words than they intended.  Miscommunication occurs when the recipient receives a message other than those intended by the sender. Different factors can be responsible for miscommunication.  I want to tell you something about the two most important questions.

How does miscommunication happen? And what can you do to avoid this? With a little knowledge of communication you can approve the relationship with friends, family, colleges and your partner.  

We use social media to communicate

Nowadays, there is a lot of Computer- Mediated Communication (CMD). CMD is communication that takes place between people through the instrumentality of computers. For example, Facebook, MSN, Hyves, Twitter or E-mail. We can’t deny that this way of communication changed the way people interact and communicate with each other.  There are changes noticed that occur through the use of communication technology in the way people interact, communicate and interact. When we are using Social Media such as Facebook or Hyves we are not communicating in the real time, the context of the other person is missing. This form of Asynchronous communication does not allow immediate feedback or response, so our minds will interpret what the other person is saying based upon their words alone. 

Our minds fill in missing information based on fear

Our minds will fill in the missing information with our own creative insight.

Think about your boy/ girlfriend who forgot the call you or send you a text message when he or she is going out with friends. Because the lack of communication in this case, you will begin to worry and your mind will immediately switch to fear mode. Did something happen? Is he/ she cheating?  Are thoughts are often fear- based, our minds will always think of the worst possible outcomes based on our fears and insecurities.

Our mood

Our mood could also play a large factor in miscommunication. A person in a anger mood may easily interpret the most innocuous statement as something filled with malice. Hence, it is important to consider the non-verbal aspects of communication as importantly as you would consider what a person says.

What can we do?

In conclusion, miscommunications occur when one side doesn’t communicate enough information to us, or when we misinterpret the meaning of certain words or gestures.

First of all, put in the time and effort to ensure that your message is properly received and interpreted by the other person.

Second, keep an open and alert mind and be aware that our brains will fill in missing information by itself.

Third, do not adopt a certain truth about the other person until you know exactly from them what they are thinking.

Fourth, to transfere information choose and use the right medium.

Finally, keep your mind open to additional possibilities, you can break the assumption triangle and prevent miscommunication conflict from happening.

“Simply tell yourself, my thoughts may all be true, but  I don’t know the truth yet”