Rachel Goodchild Writes

We have three basic needs in this world. The need for food and water, the need for shelter and the need for social interaction. For most of us, the first two are sorted. It’s unlikely if you are reading this that you’ll not have some food sorted out at some stage in the next day or so, and even if you are sitting homeless in your car, you’ve still got shelter for the night

Our drive for social interaction remains the one constant we often complain most about. And others validate or repudiate our own attempts to connect with others- judgements are made about the company we keep or the way we interact with others.

Is online communication real communication? Absolutely. It’s powerful, and it undoubtedly connects us to people we might otherwise never meet in another forum. We have the opportunity to find people and then talk to them. Almost anyone is accessible somehow.

I’m a huge fan of social networking. And as people who know me will attest, it’s not because I’m too nervous to talk and relate in real life. It’s because I know that it’s effective. it cuts down barriers, and it builds relationships.

The key is of course to be an honest communicator. I was speaking with an amazing guy this morning and he said he sometimes comes across as too relaxed. But you could see in his demeanor that that is exactly how he presents in person too. The more authentically and naturally we communicate the more we attract the people we’ll network and work with best.

I’ve made huge deals, built relationships and made long lasting friendships through social networking- many of which have moved into my face to face “real” life. It can change everything. As long as you stay true to yourself and who you are.