Like a social media expert blogging about being nice...when he's the biggest douche-bag EVER.
~Insert immature barfing gesture~
So here's the story, a few years back I joined a professional online group. This is wa-ay before the dawn of Facebook, and the obvious MySpace backlash.
I met some of the people in the group, others only via social media, and a few became (and are still) dear friends. Some created a larger than life persona and career, others left their career, while many of us simply evolved.
But in my evolution one thing became constant: my manners.
Yes, I am the person that walks into a room smiling and greeting everyone I know - whether or not I like them. I am also the person that introduces everyone. Because, well, your network is your net worth, and why not spread the wealth?
So, any who, going back to my original point, as I shared earlier, some of the folks in that group became mega successful. Like, really, mega successful.
Good for them, right?
If memory serves me right, the five people closest to you will influence your life the most. So why not be influenced by folks that have reached their dream? Better yet, why not introduce those folks to your network? Sharing is caring, right?
Well, that was my intention when I met one of those mega successful group members at a conference. I walked up to him and introduced myself.
This is what I received: blank stare.
While I smiled, held out my hand, and (tried to) remind him how we knew each-other, I received...Nothing.
Not a smile. Not a hello. Not a "oh, wow, great to finally meet you in person."
Nothing.
Mind you, I had spoken to him on the phone, exchanged a few emails, and have (virtually) known him for quite some time. Years, actually.
I was embarrassed. Really embarrassed.
Especially since I was with a colleague who had heard my constant praises of this man and how he built himself-up.
I moved on, the conference ended, and I figured I would follow-up via email and tell him "how great it was to finally meet him, if only for a few minutes."
Nothing. Not a response or any type of acknowledgment.
Fast forward to a year (or two later), we run into each-other again.
It's Deja Vu all over again.
Again, I follow-up with an email and tell him "how great it is to run into him TWICE."
Nothing.
By this point, I figured out he's either rude or has early stage Alzheimer's...why else would he not acknowledge meeting someone?
Truth is, he's really an opportunistic jerk that decides to write a series (not one, not two, but several) blog posts about - get this - being nice.
Yes my friends, the rudest man known to man is now focused on being nice.
I wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly becomes an inspirational speaker and inspires others to be nice.
~insert immature eye-rolls~
So this is my take on it:
I don't care if you are a jerk on social media, but to be a jerk in real life and then write about being nice is hypocritical.
If you are going to be a jerk, own it. Make it your MO, your reason for being, the jelly to your peanut butter.
I promise to still greet you and follow-up after our meeting. Because, I am nice...and that "is" my MO.
