“Three Things” [Internet site notes series - Human Social Networking]

Three things there are which one can do
To crash a group that’s closed to you –
Talk one-on-one (give God some room
To impact make, He’ll act quite soon).

Carve out and niche (where possible)
In words or acts – coin toss-able
If you’ll be able to live there,
But live your niche and show your care.

And third, invite some folks to home,
Or out at least, each week you roam
The world where that group carries on;
If that won’t work, what’s going on –

Is way beyond the common touch;
It calls for “Dynamite”, for such
A stronghold is in need of prayer,
As evil lurks within that lair.

Another said, three things you do –
Find “host”, say thanks for invite to
His gathering (or hers), though it’s
Abysmal – someone thinks it fits.

Then second, learn the protocol –
That culture’s code agreed by all;
The basics – step up; intro self;
Learn what to do; use wisdom’s wealth.

The third, go into bathrooms all,
Ahead of time, so in a squall
You can retreat, have time and space
To catch your breath, review the case.

To enter chats (groups one to four),
Ask “Open?” “Closed?” (Cliques might be more);
Watch bodies – face to face means “closed”,
But shoulder-rubs – go up to those.

Adjust your body language too –
Remember “TNT” taught you
By ballet teacher, skater-chicks –
Stay “Open” as you join their mix.

Then smile, and stop three feet away,
’Till someone’s eye you catch, then say,
With nod or word, engaging “Hi”;
Then left or right hand folk engage.

Say hi to all before you talk;
Eye-contact’s path is one you’ll walk;
Intro yourself (two ears, one mouth,
Is ratio to wisdom spout).

Ten minutes max, then shuffle on;
Give gifts to all before you’re gone –
Referral, snippet, make their day;
Then bid farewell, be on your way.

Have “others” (as if host), as view –
“Hey would you like to meet folks, too?”
Step up; engage; don’t leave until
Your quota’s reached – two dozen will –

Be plenty; open up don’t close
Relationships; connect with those
Which interest you – arrange to meet
Another time, if chat is sweet.

Referrals are what you should do –
Get cards, write notes on back (get two
So you can pass one on (in case
Just for that purpose) – set the pace.

Then follow-up each card you get,
Or it’s a waste – your toolkit lets
You maximize your time on scene;
Read and discuss each card – be keen.

iPhone could be a tool these days –
Snap-scan each card, software then plays
A part in making contacts firm
So names and faces you can learn.

I’d add in, “social network map” –
Use Node-Excel as base for that;
Until informal structure’s known,
No way this group can be your home.

So, why would I engage this way?
Discernment helps me live each day
As tool for God to enter in
Each context, lets His work begin.

Small groups can open, close at once;
If you’re aware, that’s when you pounce,
And enter when the door allows
You in, not hard, once you know how.

Thanks Lord for this.

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