Connections as Emotion

Charleston and Geneva may not have too many things in common - or maybe they do. I have never been to either. The world is getting smaller not so much thanks to the technology that allows us to connect more easily with each other, that is a medium. What makes the world smaller as in 'easier to put your arms around' is the humanity that comes through when we do use technology to connect.

I met Claudia on Twitter, the modern-day matching site for like-minded people. She surprised me with a post that has really shifted my thinking on connection - emotion as connection. Take the time to visit with her incredible photography as well. As I'm writing this, Geneva is enjoying its night time, and I am enjoying the serene landscape of this Swiss beauty. I have some photographs taken by my mother in the same or similar angles.

Cheryl Smithem of Charleston, SC has been linking a lot lately and I have taken some time to read her thinking on branding and social media. What I like most about her blog so far is the image of her laughing on what looks like a beach and how she describes herself - connection maven.

I have not met these ladies but through their writing and images - yet, the contacts have given me already a lot more than your causal conversation. That is because of their content. What if connections were emotion? Would that explain why we are so keen on making all those connections - on social networks, on Twitter, on blogs - for that special feeling of being seen and heard and part of things? You count... your vote (of confidence, of interest, of trust, of love) counts.

Next week we will talk about content marketing.

[image courtesy of my mother]

Comments

[Claudia]

Valeria,

Now I understand why I was receiving so many notices of new people following me on Twitter this week-end (while sleeping :-))!

Thank you so much for having carried further this idea and having given your personal colours to it. "
I feel humanly connected to you - "the humanity that comes through when we do use technology to connect."

I am glad to see the conversation that takes shape from your post, it strenghtens me in my intention to blog more. This is your gift.

[Allan]

How genuine can a conversation be on Twitter? Does the small limit on characters have any effect on authenticity? In the old days, weren't the most genuine conversations the ones that took the longest?

[Valeria Maltoni]

@Matt - I will make sure I do, if the opportunity presents itself.

@Heather - a genuine gesture that is emotionally satisfying does create the conditions for a connection. I was thinking also about how when we feel a connection with someone or something, emotion comes through.

@Carolyn Ann - my affinity with mom's picture (I put it on my wall at home, too) comes from the story of majesty of the trees that encapsulate the potential dream/inspiration. There's also the proportion I life between people and stretching upwards. I agree, connections aren't just emotion. Emotion is more likely to come through a connection - to someone or something. Let's hope 'hope' is not just a sentiment or an aspiration, but the catalyst for true transformation. People *are* tired of feeling manipulated by anything, hence the need for genuine connection. Some things are better felt than articulated - it took me a lifetime to just get to see what I feel in that photograph ;-) Good departure and food for thought here, thank you.