Social Networking In Real Life

June 23, 2009 by Kathy Drewien · View Comments
Filed under: Social Business

I was off Saturday, enjoying one of my real life social networks. The nail salon.

This is my regular salon. I make appointments with the same technician every 3-weeks. She, the owners, and the other technicians are a constant. The audience customers change according to the day, the hour, the motivation.

As I was enjoying the undivided attention of Jenna, my technician, this image caused me to reflect on how social networking is like a nail salon.

There is only one personal connection among the individuals in the chairs. A grandmother and her grand-daughter are sharing the outing for pedicures. And yet, there is a common bond – a common interest – in the larger community. An intersection of their Venn diagrams, my friend Ira would say.

The women in the chairs on the opposite wall were more deeply connected. A bride and her wedding party were preparing for the Big Event. Laughter, chatter and private jokes spiked the conversation. Occasionally, the women in the picture looked up and smiled; their participation marked by listening and connecting privately.

I had my Tervis tumbler with sweet tea at hand.

“Ah, a Long Island ice tea?”

“Aren’t these tumblers the best for hot summer days?”

Brief connections.

Curious about the ROI?

My broken nail was repaired. I experienced moments of joy remembering my wedding preparations. Thinking of my daughter and our trips to the salon warmed my heart. Just as I was leaving, my tennis captain came in and confirmed the roster for the weekend.

Oh, yes. Jenna and I talked about the $8000 credit for home buyers.

(Now if I can only get Teresa to teach me how to take better photos with my BlackBerry…)