I read Thomas J. Watson Junior’s book, Father, Son, and Co.: My Life at IBM and Beyond in the early 90’s. The book tells the story of IBM from their early age as a provider of electromechanical punch card systems and the relationship between him and his father.
But the most profound learning I got from the book was about the importance of building relationships, something that has been a struggle for me since I was very young.
I don’t know if it has to do with the fact that my familiy moved around a lot (I studied in 8 different schools and 7 different cities before I got into college) or because of some other personal issues. But I struggle when I try to socialize or meet new people.
Social networking has allowed me to overcome this issue.
First, it provides me with a representation of who each person is and what they like and dislike; what they’re passionate about and where they stand on important issues. This allows me to get closer to them before meeting them.
Second, I am able to portray myself in a controlled manner. Trying to think what to say to someone I just met is very hard for me. But by thinking what I want to express and then writing it, I’m able to show my true self without appearing to be nervous, stuttering or impersonal.
I have been in some Meetups and have never been able to establish a meaningful friendship in those events, but on a daily basis I have the greatest conversations with my Twitter and FriendFeed friends, who give me knowledge, entertainment and encouragement every single day.
Now, when’s the next NYC Tweetup?
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