One would think that this is an unusual topic in the context of our organizations services, but recently become a topic of discussion with a client.
Recently I was engaged with a client discussing a broad range of audio and video options within their dwelling. As we were going through a preliminary discovery session, a young girl (about 14) walks in the room. The parents politely took an opportunity to introduce me to their lovely daughter. As she was leaving, the mom inquired what the girl was going to do. The girl responded that she was going to go on Facebook.
As the girl departed, I noticed a facial expression change on both of the parents. Recognizing that sales has alot to do with reading people, I was mentally challenged. Should I take a step into the personal, relational world or stay focused on the business at hand.
Well, for those that know this particular individual, you know which direction I took. Throwing chance to the wind I asked if everything was alright. The mom stated frustratedly, that she is concerned as to what is happening on Facebook with her daughter.
Gently, and I do mean gently, I broached the subject on the awareness level of parents regarding social media. I pointed out a couple of issues which have gotten recent press (sexting, photos on facebook, bullying).
I apologized in advance regarding my next statement. I had suggested that kids pressure parents into thinking that social media tools (facebook, myspace, myface, twitter, etc.) are a right. Using a boatload of reasons to justify this right. As parents we are presented with the challenge of either being the friend, or being the parent. The friend accepts the persuasive argument, and balances fulfilling the child's desire with access to these tools. Yet, the oversight, or view into the child's world of communication is left with subjective intrusion.
I shared my perspective regarding children and the use of the internet. This lead to a deeper discussion which was quite powerful for the family.
But through all of this let me share the end results, they are quite surprising.
Who would have thought that being sensitive to the needs of the client, outside of my scope of professional services would have facilitated this kind of response. Well, not me, nor my friend Marc Wolfe.
Recently I was engaged with a client discussing a broad range of audio and video options within their dwelling. As we were going through a preliminary discovery session, a young girl (about 14) walks in the room. The parents politely took an opportunity to introduce me to their lovely daughter. As she was leaving, the mom inquired what the girl was going to do. The girl responded that she was going to go on Facebook.
As the girl departed, I noticed a facial expression change on both of the parents. Recognizing that sales has alot to do with reading people, I was mentally challenged. Should I take a step into the personal, relational world or stay focused on the business at hand.
Well, for those that know this particular individual, you know which direction I took. Throwing chance to the wind I asked if everything was alright. The mom stated frustratedly, that she is concerned as to what is happening on Facebook with her daughter.
Gently, and I do mean gently, I broached the subject on the awareness level of parents regarding social media. I pointed out a couple of issues which have gotten recent press (sexting, photos on facebook, bullying).
I apologized in advance regarding my next statement. I had suggested that kids pressure parents into thinking that social media tools (facebook, myspace, myface, twitter, etc.) are a right. Using a boatload of reasons to justify this right. As parents we are presented with the challenge of either being the friend, or being the parent. The friend accepts the persuasive argument, and balances fulfilling the child's desire with access to these tools. Yet, the oversight, or view into the child's world of communication is left with subjective intrusion.
I shared my perspective regarding children and the use of the internet. This lead to a deeper discussion which was quite powerful for the family.
But through all of this let me share the end results, they are quite surprising.
- The father requested that I facilitate a dialogue with the daughter (which was awesome, with tears on both sides).
- The father requested that I make changes to the home network router, precluding unsupervised access to these social sites.
- I got hugs from everyone in the family.
- Have established a client relationship which it's foundation is based upon trust, and open communication. With an invitation to meet with a couple of neighbors to talk about what I do.
Who would have thought that being sensitive to the needs of the client, outside of my scope of professional services would have facilitated this kind of response. Well, not me, nor my friend Marc Wolfe.
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