Have you ever read the book How to Be Popular
Meg Cabot is a wonderful young adult novelist – if you haven’t heard of her yet, her work includes the Princess Diaries, which became a huge Disney movie series and propelled Anne Hathaway onto the celebrity A-list. What I loved about How to be Popular (besides the cute, witty story) is it gives great tips for how to be popular in real life, that I think can be applied to social media. Here are some of Meg Cabot’s tips, directly from the book:
Popular people always have a ready smile for everyone
Even though you can’t smile via social media, the picture you post on all your profiles is extremely important because it makes an impression on people and helps them decide if they want to pay attention to you. Choose a photo that is inviting and happy. A smile goes a long way.
Popular people show genuine interest in others and what they have to say
It’s simple – comment on other people’s profiles, twitters, and blogs, and they will automatically know they have a fan out there who cares about what they are trying to do with social media. Don’t be just another lurker.
Popular people call others by their names, and do it often
Something about writing someone’s name makes your comment to them more personal. On twitter, I love when I get a direct message with my name in it, because it shows it’s not an auto responder. But beyond just using someone’s name, make all your communications personal. It’s the best way to remind that person you know (and care) who they are.
Popular people always make the conversation about YOU, not about themselves
When you’re writing in your blog or on your social media profiles, don’t forget to help others instead of just talking about yourself. Advice blogs are popular because they give value to the person reading – and in return, the person writing gets a boost in popularity as their content is shared. But people don’t share self-centric content.
Popular people are the same people in private as they are in public
Gen Y is known for extreme transparency online, and other generations – even when they embrace social media – are wary of putting themselves completely out there. But Gen Y knows something other generations don’t – that there’s no hiding who you are anymore. If you are mean, spiteful person in real life, people online will find it out eventually. So work on being nice in your “private” (offline) life, and you will naturally become more popular online.
Popular people do what they want to be doing in life
The social media elite have become that way because they shunned the corporate lifestyle and defined their own paths. You can’t be popular unless you are passionate about something. So write about your passions and the crazy things you are doing in your own life, and people will be drawn to you.
Popular people are direct and honest, while always being conscious of the feelings of others
It is okay to disagree with others – it’s inevitable actually. But instead of passing up a blog post simply because you disagree, go ahead and (kindly) engage the writer with your opinion! You will also get comments where people disagree – sometimes rudely. But you will get respect when you stand up for yourself without rising to their provocations.
What do you think of these tips about popularity?
You can find out more about How to be Popular (it really is a fun read!) here.
Author:
Monica O’Brien writes career advice for young professionals at her blog, Twenty Set. You can also follow her on Twitter (@monicaobrien).
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So true. Really, being popular or successful is all about what’s best for the other person. Do what it takes to make them comfortable and happy, and they will want to be around you … and they will listen to what you have to say.
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Great post! Especially the piece on, ‘there is no hiding you anymore’.
Hi Monica,
Really cool post. Maybe you guys could do a series for each of the social sites (i.e. how to be popular on facebook, how to be popular on Yelp, etc).
Really it is an informative and good post. thanks for shareing information.
The hardest part is disagreeing because some people are offended whenever anyone disagrees with them–even if you aren’t being rude. If I disagree with someone, it doesn’t mean they have to immediately change their mind, and I usually would like to hear more about why they take their position.
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Good points. I think there is a huge divide between the older and younger generations in terms of “transparency”.
I do have to laugh about the agonizing worry of employers looking you up and seeing what comes up in Google because many times who you get isn’t who you want.
And given the digital tons of information out there will people really dig to get all kinds of info about you, a poor schlub?
Having said that though, I don’t put anything online that I would be afraid of anyone seeing or finding out about.
Great post, Monica! One of my favorite lines:
Gen Y knows something other generations don’t – that there’s no hiding who you are anymore.
This issue of transparency has the potential to be transformational. Think what an incredible world we’d have if people felt comfortable sharing their best, most passionate selves. In fact, your entire post reminds me of the wonderful quote from Ghandi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Thanks again for your smart, uplifting, and insightful piece.