Are You Engaging? Do You Really Know What That Means?
Engagement is a word that many in the information marketing and social media industries are using lately.
“Engagement” or “Engaging” in reference to connecting with others, especially in the context of social media, can have a number of interpretations.
Today I’ll share the great conversation and perspectives that people around the globe shared with me when I asked them,
“What does engagement/engaging mean to you?”
Engagement means that the person/company actively talks to, responds to others, and they share, post and talk about things that often have a way of getting responses. Kind of like your question.
I think that while you may have to tailor your conversation toward your audience, the main thing is still going to be “ask questions, get your audience to think or feel.” Those are the things that will cause them to want to respond. And with that interaction, I believe you have engagement. This simple idea can be used anywhere, even in face to face interactions. 🙂
In this instance … I interpreted “engaging” as someone who projects and draws exceptional positivity and interacts in a progressive and / or inspiring manner.
Engagement, to me, means sharing a bit of depth. I don't require that my circled folks talk about the cosmos or their deepest dreams (but that's cool) but instead, I appreciate additional comments on why they took a photo, what prompted them to re-post someone else's post, or why they linked a blog. If you walk into a crowded room and make eye contact (and maybe wave your hand) at someone, that's my equivalent to a plus here. If you walk into a crowded room and say hello, ask people questions, tell jokes, compliment folks, and listen to what is new in their life, that's my equivalent to engaging.
Engagement is when I listen or read another view point and engage my intellect to merge, alter,confirm, or change my point of view.
What an excellent question. Engagement, in my opinion is the act of sharing, listening, responding, learning, researching, and discussing a variety of topics. I don't believe in changing people's minds but would like them to look at topics from different perspectives.
Engagement is leveraged cooperation to attain mutual support in achieving worthy goals and ambitions.
I think engagement acts on many different levels. ‘Moments of engagement within a post' can develop into that of: ‘humour and story sharing', or sometimes 'empathy and compassion'. Sometimes a ‘little support and encouragement' is spontaneously created and shared between the those engaging on the post; to build or inspire confidence in each other: in abilities and/or just in being who we are.
Then there is engaging in posts that court debate; which when a debate is good, its a good experience; but it can be difficult and provoke problems. I find one has to be careful and know ones limits when engaging in a debating post. Sometimes in a friendly interaction on a post, it can unexpectedly develop into a positive debate; sharing knowledge and ideas.
Therefore engagement for me involves humor and care, and not forgetting: the exercising of my brain. But also knowing (mostly when in debates) when not to engage or when to withdraw from engagement.
An ‘ENGAGER' connects with the reader. It is the personal touch going beyond a simple plus. They usually have a thought common. It can be age, sex, job. hobby or political mind set. An engager takes the time to read posts and think as they respond. Their posts or comments can be simple. Complex even confrontational at times. One thing Engagers have in common seems to be their love for life and a gift to communicate.
I think engagement is building a relationship with your people. It's not selling, it's not marketing; it's a conversation that's 2 sided. It's thought provoking, fun, interesting, or challenging. It helps your people to get to know you as a person and build trust in your business. It's talking WITH them, not AT them. It's organic and relevant, not forced. It's the beginning of a friendship. It's a connection. And it's more giving than taking.
1. Interacting via comment on posts; 2. Sharing (+1-ing) posts; 3. “Hanging Out” — I've been consulting through G+ in place of Skype and I participate in a couple of knitting groups as well. Ah…You got me thinking, Stephanie L H Calahan! I looked up the definition online and absolutely fell in love with this one: The condition of being in gear. Lately, I must confess, I've not been “in gear!!”
Much Gratitude to Those That Shared Their Perspective
Andrea Anderson Brenda Spandrio Christina Lihani Corrin Gale Dan Auito
Monica Yokubinas Jaime Cooper Melissa Sullivan Phillis Benson Valerie Anderle
So, I Thought I'd Check to See What Webster's Dictionary Says
– to attract and hold by influence or power
– to hold the attention of : engross <her work engages her completely>
– to induce to participate <engaged the shy boy in conversation>
– to do or take part in something —used with in <engage in healthy activities> <engage in bad conduct>
– to give attention to something : deal <failing to engage with the problem>
Synonyms: absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engross, enthrall (or enthrall), en-wrap, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy, catch one's eye.
Your Turn!
Are you engaging? As you can see, there are many different interpretations of what it means to engage.
Regardless of the perspectives that you have about what engaging virtually or in-person means, one thing is certain; when you engage you make the world a better place.
What do you think? What does engaging mean to you? Does it differ depending on the platform that you are on? Come on and engage in the conversation! Comment with your thoughts below.
Until we talk again,
Get Visible and ENGAGE!
Live Fully — Love Openly — Experience Your Truth — Leverage Your Brilliance–Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
PS – Couldn't help myself… I think of this when I think of “engage” too {chuckle} http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jd1Ih8EUmw
Ellen Delap says
Engagement means connection! Its back and forth, listening and hearing, and drawing attention and giving attention.
I love the virtual participation!
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Ellen – Thanks for joining the conversation! I find that I have a number of great conversations on different platforms and like to share the meaty ones here.
Rick Galbreath says
Engagement can have various definitions. Primarily, engagement to Performance Growth Partners Inc. means for an individual to actively put forth the effort to personally involve oneself in the activity he or she would like to be a part of, whether it benefits that person’s future or helps someone else.
Engagement should always result in a positive outcome, however, it doesn’t always do so. Engagement entails the intentions to better a situation by actively participating while listening, sharing or doing. Engagement means caring, and caring is the first step to success.
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Rick – Great to see you here. Always love your comments. I love your statement “Engagement means caring, and caring is the first step to success.” So true!
Kenneth Manesse Sr. says
I look for something that we agree on first. This set the stage to further talk about a post or a comment. I don’t always agree and sometimes find it hard when people are leaving nasty comments, but for me to work on engagement I have to start somewhere. Sometimes it’s just saying that, “I can see you have strong feeling about …”
Why not start on first with agreeing for engagement? Do you agree Stephanie?
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Thank you for dropping by Kenneth! I appreciate your perspective. I see you as a master of engagement on many social media platforms.
Often it is easier to connect with someone on a common topic of agreement. I find that when commenting on someone’s post I will frequently go that route, but I don’t always.
I believe there is a really big difference between being nasty or making things personal (I don’t like that either) and sharing an alternate view.
For example, when I originally asked this question about engagement on G+ I was thinking engagement was about an action that you could see. To me an engager was someone that commented on posts and actively opened up conversations to others on their posts.
Then, Monica Yokubinas shared this: “Engagement is when I listen or read another view point and engage my intellect to merge, alter,confirm, or change my point of view.” Her comment did not totally align with my perspective. She suggests that engaging could be when someone’s MIND changes. I’m so glad that she shared that alternate perspective because it helped me think deeper on the topic. She engaged my brain. 🙂
The difference being that her comments were shared with total respectful phrasing.
It makes me think of different political television shows my husband enjoys watching. Some I will sit and watch with him. They have people from totally different sides of an issue that can respectfully share their perspectives without belittling the other person. I like those. My mind expands. The others — screaming over one another — he watches in his man cave. 🙂
I also think it depends on the nature of the conversation. Thoughts?
Kenneth Manesse Sr. says
I completely agree about the “nasty” most times I’ll just delete the comment or not respond. Like most people I don’t have the time to engage in a debate, or try to get someone to see my political view or by beliefs.
Great job with your style and engagement on G+, you have taken to it with skill and professionalism.