At the beginning of every year, I sit down (usually at a cozy bar) and put my goals together for the coming year. I have goals for my physical health, family, career, relationships, financial and self (things I want to do for me). I crave structure with planning. In both my work and personal life, I have learned that the best outcomes are derived when I develop strategies that include results (what I am going to do), process (how to do it) and relationships (with whom to include). This is usually the most daunting part. I took a breath and a sip, and was hit by a micro "A-ha" moment - Random Acts of Connection.
I first heard the phrase "Random Acts of Connection" at last year's SXSWi during a panel hosted by friend, mentor and fellow community manager Jim Storer. Loved it. Random Acts of Connection is sort of Community Management 101; its the act of bringing together two or more people who have a similar interest or bringing people to data/information. As I looked at my goals, I realized the primary strategy for me was to practice daily acts of random connection. Every conversation you have is an opportunity for Random Acts of Connection. Its easy to find places on Twitter and LinkedIn to make Random Acts of Connection; someone looking for help, job seekers to employers, like personalities, hobbyists, etc...
Why Random Acts of Connection:
- Not much makes you feel better than helping others
- Pooling collective smarts
- Surprises are fun - "If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good."
― Dr. Seuss - You never know when you will need help
- Ever hear of paying it forward?
- Karma
I truly believe if I practice daily acts of random connection, I will accomplish my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals).
Here are some Random Acts of Connection for you: (these not exhaustive lists by any means, but some people you may not know)
Social Customer Service Leaders - These folks know customer service, social and more than anything understand the constraints operational leaders deal with
Kate Nasser, Guy Stephens, Josh Sippola, Spoken Communications, Mary Bartels-Cook, Marcio Saito, Richard Natoli, Greg Ortbach
Community Management - They get Random Acts of Connection
Rachel Happe, Jim Storer, Mark Yolton, Mark Wallace, Dan Brostek, Claire Flanagan, Bill Johnston