Watered Down Welcome
I absolutely love anything to do with water!!!
I love walking in the rain, swimming in it, bathing and showering in it (thankfully), drinking it, gliding across it in a canoe or sailboat, it's calm and soothing...and the power of water is awesome!!!
But add the word "down" after water and it becomes something totally different.
To water down something is to dilute the original substance or to make it weaker. Think of watercolors: when you just add a drop or two of water, the color is bright, but the more water you add, the more diluted or faded the color becomes.
I know...where am I going with this...
I've noticed that whenever I'm welcoming new Premium Members, there are many other members welcoming them as well. Excellent! But then, I see something rather disturbing...they basically just copy the same "welcome" from one person to the next!
Seriously!!!
When applying for various jobs, applicants are encouraged to not only have more than one resume, but to also have more than one cover letter. Why would we use the same "cookie-cutter" formula for people we're welcoming from all over the world! It make no sense.
Unless...perhaps the intent really isn't to "welcome" but to just add more followers...and more...and more...just shoving them into the pen like cattle...
I get it...there are a lot of people joining this platform daily, but who says you have to welcome 100 each day? Why not reduce that number a bit and make the "welcome" more personal? Why not actually read the bio people took the time to create and add something to your welcome...a personal touch.
The Wealthy Affiliate platform is incredible in so many ways. One of the many things I appreciate this platform is that I truly believe - outside of the certification or Bootcamp - that it really is set up for us to develop our social skills in so many areas.
I get so much out of reading everyone's bio. Granted, it takes up time, but I can spare
20-30 minutes a few times a week. How is it that people can leave generic welcomes, but expect others to leave heartfelt comments when they create posts? I think we can do better, folks.
Anyway, in the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I got to say about that!"
Strive to Thrive,
Veronica
Recent Comments
64
Love this and couldn't agree more! I also notice this when leaving messages on people's profiles after they have followed you - I always read each individuals profile and check out their website(s) if they have them listed to find out more about them and comment from there. Personally not in this to "rack up" followers, but to be completely genuine.
And I also agree that water is one of the most amazing elements EVER =) Jiving with your take!
I like your style Jessica!
Although I leave comments and feedback on Site Rubix, it doesn't hurt to visit people's site through their profile.
Thanks for the feedback, Jess.
Love this! Good point, Veronica. I try to be "user-specific" with my comments, but I can always improve!
(referring to the beginning of your post) I've been an aquaphobe for years, but recently since I started going on cruises, visiting the beach, etc. the water doesn't scare me. I'd like to move some place near a beach and listen to the waves.
I get this! I've noticed the same thing and agree that a personal welcome is always the way to go!
Erica
People mention it being time-consuming, but you can easily welcome 5 new Premium Members is under 30 minutes - easily! Even if you just do that twice a week, that's only an hour for the whole week.
No matter how many members I welcome, I try to make each message different and take the time to read bios, too. Not always easy, but I like that personal touch, too. We may be in the minority on this one, Veronica.
Okay Girlfriend,
Guilty as charged.
My defense: when they thank me, I contact them personally
love you
Big hug
No need for a confession, Sunday. I believe that with anything we do, there's always a better way.
Because I know the turnover rate. Has nothing to do a long or short welcome. The person they signed up under should be taking them UNDER their wing.
If they stick around, chances are that paths will cross here.
I believe there's a better way to welcome people, it doesn't have to be left to the person who introduced them to this platform.
Just my opinion, I have no doubt many will disagree, and that's fine.
I don't disagree, it just took alot more time. I eventuall saw that as time away from my family. I could cut down, but then I reach less people.
Honestly, I don't worry about it either way anymore.
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Hi Veronica,
I'm guilty (sad face) of that very thing. I do read the bio's of each person that follows me, but I use the same greeting each time. It's just easier for me. It's simple, and to the point. I don't mean to "water down" my greeting to anyone. I don't have a lot of followers, so it works for me. I kinda gave up on the ranking a long time ago. If someone follows me I always follow them in return. I will try to do better in the future, thanks. Have a great evening, take care my friend.
Mary
Aww....get rid of that sad face, Mary!
This is just my opinion. I think if we can all tweak our welcome, it would make a difference. But, in the end, everyone is going to do what they want, it's just one of the things I find irritating.
I really appreciate everyone who reads my bio...it's a mouthful! So I "pay it forward" by extending the same courtesy to others.