This is part 3 of a 4-part series on platform-building. You may want to start with Leaders Should Be Writers and Desktop and Workflow.
It’s been a big challenge to understand workflow as I build my online platform. This flowchart has helped me understand how each of my tasks relates to my whole platforming project. I also found it helpful to organize my computer desktop according to this chart.
“Don’t Make It Painful”
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
-Proverbs 12:18
An online discussion is like a party or a game. People come because they want to have fun, grow, and learn about others. It takes courage to put oneself out there. It is a risk to one’s pride. That is the cost of playing.
Try to keep the entry cost low.
Otherwise people won’t want to play. Your words will either bring people in or push them out. If you want your ideas to be heard, you can’t push people away.
I recently spent some time reflecting on my platform-building routine. I looked at what was going well and not so well.
I found 10 helpful principles:
“4 Ways to Be Mature on Social Media”
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
The heart of the wicked is of little worth.”
-Proverbs 10:20
How do you give a perfect answer?
An answer that is right and worthy? This 5-part series explores how to communicate wisely on social media.
“Don’t Make It Personal”
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
But a man of understanding remains silent.”
-Proverbs 11:12
In the last post we looked at the question: “How can I be more mature when I talk to people online?”
The answer in summary—Don’t make it personal, painful, demanding, or rude. Today the first point—Don’t make it personal.
Forums are for critiquing thoughts, not thinkers.
