Facebook: Insight and Validation for Free

I can't tell how many times I've heard people say Facebook is a time waster, Twitter is pointless, no one cares what you have to say, etc. Those who know me know I wholeheartedly disagree. And here's why.

A year ago, I joined Facebook. I had never been really keen on Myspace, particularly because of all the spam. But with Facebook, I was instantly connecting with people I already knew, and able to connect with people they knew that I wanted to know. But what really made the difference was being able to connect with these folks on a personal level. While many people might think the status updates are ridiculous, for others, it's a way to connect. If I have a question and need an answer, I post it, and I'm amazed at the responses, and, occasionally, I'm able to help someone else. I've been able to build relationships with people more than I could in five minutes at a networking event. Don't get me wrong, I don't think social networking could fully replace face-to-face networking, but it does allow the opportunity to pick and choose those relationships that can be more mutually beneficial rather than just going through a stack of business cards.

I heard on the radio yesterday a quote from Dierks Bentley (thanks Dutch): "Country music is the best therapy that you can buy for $15." For me, I'd have to say Facebook is the best therapy you can get for free.

This morning, I read a post from a family friend, Micheal Elliot. For those of you who don't know Micheal, he's the director of Union Mission here in Savannah. I've had the great fortune of knowing him since I was a kid as I went to school with his children on Tybee and at St. Vincent's. Michael has done such great work and inspired his staff and volunteers so well that the organization has been the recipient of several awards and major grants that allow them to provide much-needed services to our community. But it was his personal insight this morning that really struck me:

"Yesterday I was told that I am a very polarizing figure. 'People either love you or hate you,' he said.... I've heard some claim they are upset because Union Mission continues winning grants or awards and which they feel should be theirs."

While I hate that such an inspiring man would be concerned over this, I felt that my thoughts on this exact same subject had been validated. I have sacrificed so much for CPR, and my volunteers have given all they have to help us succeed as much as possible. We've won awards, received media coverage, and even been named as the top ten rescues in the country by Purina a couple years ago. And while that's great, it hasn't gone without backlash, sometimes in the form of gossip, other times posted outright online, particularly on Craigslist. And even though I was raised to rise above those things, it still hurts.

It was not his intention in his post this morning, but Michael offered me some therapy. He has allowed me to be a part of his social network, and in turn, allowed me to benefit from his insight. As the leader of a non-profit organization, it's not easy to find others in the same position that will have the same feelings. While our organizations are different in size, funding, and the services we provide, our personal thoughts and concerns are not. Having that validation really does make a difference, and maybe will help make me a better leader.

So thank you to Micheal, and all my other friends on Facebook who take the time to post your thoughts and allow me the opportunity to better myself. Perhaps one day, I can return the favor.