Is the fast pace and ease of social media making our interactions in the workplace too informal?
Is social media making us too informal in the workplace? Do you often end an email with “thnx!” or include a casual “LOL”? And so what if you do? Is that wrong?
Professionally and socially, we have become dependent on a variety of electronic forms of communication including texting, email, Twitter and other social media forums. All of which beg for the succinctness that a brief “IMO” or “BTW” allow. But at what point do these quick and easy forms of communication become detrimental when forging business relationships?
There’s no doubt that technology has given us new ways to communicate, not only with a much broader group of friends, colleagues and strangers, but also in a way to make multi-taskers everywhere rejoice. In fact, as you read this, you’re probably also chatting with a coworker, drafting an email to a client, and keeping an eye on your phone’s feeds from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
The overlap of social media’s social and professional purposes sometimes allows professionalism and politeness to go by the wayside. The more that people rely on electronic forms of communication, the easier it is to forget that a live person is receiving the words we blast into cyberspace.
The intended sincerity of the “thnx” you emailed your client can be misconstrued as an inappropriately casual or terse response. The easy-going “LOL” can be taken to mean you may not take a subject as seriously as you should.
In your daily communications, how often do you use this new media shorthand?
Maybe you’ve developed the kind of relationship with your coworker or client that make your smiley face emoticons a non-issue. We want to know, how did you get to that point? And who made the first move to communiqué filled with winky faces and a spirited helping of exclamation points?
–Katherine Boyce, Sales Associate, Network Media Partners
January 26, 2010
I love the working environment at Network. Egos are checked at the door. 
What do you do?
I manage the Credit/Collection and Traffic departments. On the collection side we work to maximize cash flow while minimizing bad debts. Our goal in Traffic is to maintain the standard of excellence in delivering our products and services that our clients have come to expect.
How do you spend your down time?
Spending time with family and friends is at the top of my list. I also enjoy activities that expose me to new experiences not encountered in my daily routine, such as traveling and reading.
Most challenging or rewarding experience?
I am most proud of the fact that my team and I are successfully protecting our clients’ cash flow during these difficult economic times.
Motto to live by?
Live in the present moment and find the positive in every situation!
How would you describe yourself?
Self-motivated, solution-oriented, and easygoing. I enjoy being around people, sharing ideas and experiences.
January 15, 2010
“It is such a great feeling to be surrounded by friends that keep you motivated and want to see you succeed.”
What do you do?
I work directly with Sean Soth, Senior VP, to support the sales efforts of the Account Executives and all the portfolios that he manages. I help with everything from prospecting to marketing pieces and everything in between.
What is the most rewarding part of working with Network?
I absolutely adore all the people I work with every day. It is such a great feeling to walk into work and be surrounded by friends that keep you motivated and want to see you succeed.
What has been your biggest challenge at Network?
The biggest challenge would have to be juggling all the tasks that are brought to my plate each day. When working with multiple Account Executives and portfolios, it keeps my day full of many different projects.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my 2008 Rookie of the Year award. This was so special because it was nice to know that even though my career at Network had just begun, I was already making an impact and helping our sales team achieve positive results.
What keeps you busy outside of the office?
Painting, running, my family, my friends.
December 18, 2009
