I seem to be immersed in social networking research as of late. My most recent IMedia columns (links are provided below) are all on the subject, I was invited to be a panelist on how social media is changing the political landscape, I went digging through research on email newsletters prior to launching my own and writing a research paper on it.
One of the things that often happens when I'm analyzing data from NextStage research is that another question pops up or seems to be answered, something we didn't original consider, plan or intend to look at.
In this case, is there a maximum social distance two people can be from each other to have minimal social contact? Is there a minimal social distance required to establish contact? This ties in very well with a Dimensions of Strength paper I recently read (thanks to Catherine McQuaid for sending it to me).
Two people can be in very close spacial proximity to each other (anyone commuting on a rush hour subway or train knows this) and what most won't recognize is that a social connection -- a social contract -- exists. The interesting part is to determine the social distance needed to have preferred social contact and interaction, how to modify the contract, so to speak, for mutual benefit.
I'd appreciate learning your thoughts.
Please contact NextStage for information regarding presentations and trainings on this and other topics.
Links for this post:
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- Controlling a brand conversation
- Bloggers, influence and your brand
- Social media & consumer preference
- At the Boston Social Media Club with Clinton and Obama
- New Communications Forum 2008 22-25 April 08 in Sonoma Valley, CA
- SUNY Marketing Professionals Conference at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, 11-13 June 08
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