I think Shannon Paul hits it on the head when she writes:

I think a lot of the disconnect between humans in online social networks has to do with the context wrapped around the word network used as a verb.

In her post, which I highly recommend, she sheds some light and expands on the idea I put forth the other day of Invest in People.

Though, I think she takes it further (and better) by saying, in so many words,

“hey, we need to shed that fake, sanitized corporate/businessy veneer that we’ve all been brainwashed over the last 100 years into thinking is the way to behave.”

She’s also more polite about it ;-)

It’s not an easy transition.

“Sharing vulnerability,” as she calls it can lead to false intimacy.

(Believe me, I should know, since I ticked off Shannon last year. Here was my apology and learnings post—and how she responded here)

Still, she leads by example and shows her own vulnerability by saying, “you know, I don’t really have an answer…let’s discuss it together and see what we think.”

And, as a result of that, she builds relationships…and Raving Fans. I know I am one.