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…)
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