Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking
Posted by JasonIf you’re not an idiot, you’ve seen the movie. Now, with even bigger hair and sweeter dance moves, five hints on social networking from the master, Napoleon Dynamite!
1. Give, like, creative and real compliments.
“You have a sweet bike. And you’re really good at hooking up with chicks. Plus you’re like the only guy at school who has a mustache.”
Take time each day to give genuine compliments to the people around you. Having trouble thinking of things? Make an effort to take joy in small things and you’ll soon find things to compliment. The barista who remembers what coffee you like? Say more than “thanks” next time you get a dark roast. The coworker who always adds a creative edge to projects? Take a moment to recognize the added value and share how much you appreciate it! Once you make a habit of giving compliments, you’ll find they flow off your tongue without much effort at all. When you are known for recognizing value in the people around you, your network will grow.
2. Don’t let other people take up all your time or space or eat all your steak.
“Well, I have all your equipment in my locker. You should probably come get it cause I can’t fit my numchucks in there anymore.”
In order to successfully pursue your own passions, it’s vital that you set limits on how you let others use your time. When your social network is small, it’s tempting to instantly pick up the phone, answer emails, IM, text, tweet, comment, Digg, Stumble, and give a video response to every nudge, ping, poke, and beg that comes across you table. This can grow into a monster that spreads you so thin that you no longer have energy for yourself and the people you hold most dear. The monster will also eat your steak.
3. Put your connections to work for others so they get sweet stuff, too.
“Pedro offers you his protection.”
You may not know somebody with skills to save people from certain destruction, but you might know the owner of the best place in town to get tots when you’re hungry! A great networker isn’t just a resource but a channel through which the needs and talents of others connect. A good friend comes to your house and tries to help you fix your toilet. A great networker knows a trustworthy plumber who will fix your toilet and takes you out for a drink to celebrate the victory!
4. Have a totally awesome story and tell it like its just happened!
“I spent it [the summer] with my uncle in Alaska hunting wolverines! [I shot] Like 50 of ‘em! They kept trying to attack my cousins, what the heck would you do in a situation like that?”
If you live an interesting life, your network will grow organically out of the connections you make in your travels and conversations with new people. It’s important to strengthen those connections by including others in your story and telling it in an exciting way. One of the powerful human emotions is the one that comes through reminiscing about past adventures. Make sure you’re a part of as many adventures as possible and share those stories with the people you meet. There’s no need to brag though. Not everybody gets to spend their summers in Alaska.
5. Find out what makes others happy and help them do those things.
“Sorry I’m late. I just got done taming a wild honeymoon stallion for you guys.”
If you take the time to learn about the people in your network, you’ll soon find that many people have dreams that are entirely possible given a bit of your help. They might not want to ride off into the sunset on a honeymoon stallion, and you might not be able to even tame a wild and dangerous horse. But you might know a realtor who shares great deals or a landscaper who can make a magical garden. Combine your talents with knowledge of the people you care about to create a strong and delicious network.
——————–
Written by Seth Simonds for The Talent Buzz blog post contest. Photo via bebo.com.
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March 2nd, 2009 at 2:34 am
Thank you Seth. In appreciation, I caught you a delicious bass.
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March 2nd, 2009 at 2:43 am
This is quite possibly the best social networking analogy I’ve seen, Seth - nice.
Reason to vote for you”
“Just tell them that their wildest dreams will come true if they vote for you.”
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March 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 am
Oooh, thank you Lisa! I spent like three hours just shading your upper lip. Probably the best I’ve ever done.
=)
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March 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 am
Chatting on the internet with hot chicks
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March 2nd, 2009 at 2:50 am
@Dannybrown Thanks Danny! I was wondering what to say. I don’t have much to say. I’ll just tell them that.
hehe
@BRO - yeah, go ahead and eat all the chips!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 am
Seth,
You got humor. Social what? Dreamer or not, storyteller you are,
concise too! Kudos. Mary MacIntyre http://www.writersunbound.com
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Seth Simonds reply on March 14th, 2009 2:41 am:
Thanks, Mary!
I’ll take the rest as a compliment? =P
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:29 am
Seth,
This post is awesome. It’s…inCREDible.
I’m going to Tweet it, and Facebook it, and post it on my blog.
So, we’re pretty much friends by now, right?
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:30 am
@marty, yes. I’ve got your back. haha!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 am
Great advice, given in a very entertaining way. Oh, how I adore Napoleon Dynamite! I used to have “Canned Heat” by Jamiroquai as my cell phone ring - it makes me smile just thinking of his dance scene.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 8th, 2009 6:26 am:
it might just be time to break out the Canned Heat again and get your networking moves on! =)
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:37 am
[...] Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking | The Talent Buzz Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking | The Talent Buzz. [...]
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 am
Beautifully written. I just forwarded this to my dad who still struggles with the “what is social networking” thing and he was in sales for 30 years. This is perfect to explain how to really use social networking!!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 am
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 am
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:57 am
I LOVE it - what a great explanation with the BEST humor! Thanks for a great post!
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Seth Simonds reply on March 2nd, 2009 4:41 am:
Thanks Alicia! I caught you a delicious bass =)
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March 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 am
@Stacie Thanks Stacie! If he can ignore the insane quotes I’m sure he’ll find value in the rest! =) well…unless he liked ND!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 4:12 am
[...] CLICK HERE to read “Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking” [...]
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:52 am
Gosh, with more explanations like these, people may start to get what social networking really can do!
Vote for Pedro!
David
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Seth Simonds reply on March 2nd, 2009 3:07 pm:
I hope so, David!
Pedro has my vote.
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March 2nd, 2009 at 5:57 am
A most excellent blog post, especially since you infused “Napoleon Dynamite” quotes to accurately reflect proper social networking etiquette. Props!
P.S. “Honeymoon Stallion” is a great idea for a band name.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 14th, 2009 2:40 am:
An alt rock band? Maybe so. Let me know when your first album comes out!
There were a few quotes that didn’t quite fit…but definitely some gems to be found. Truly amusing movie!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 6:53 am
Flippin’ SWEET!
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March 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Very well done Seth. Napoleon could not have said it better himself. This is the proper way to network. If you happen to be in Topeka, Kansas, USA, and you need some good tots, I know just the place … we will do lunch!
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Seth Simonds reply on March 2nd, 2009 3:08 pm:
Okay, Mark. Sounds good. You’re an awesome connection if you know where to get great tots in Topeka. Thrilled for lunch! =)
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March 2nd, 2009 at 8:26 am
[...] via Gosh Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking [...]
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Utilizing the master wordsmith Napoleon Dynamite to explain the virtues of social media was a stroke of genius. And speaking of compliments — I like your sleeves. They’re real big.
Great post. Loved it.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 3rd, 2009 11:28 pm:
Really? If you think those herbal supplements are so great you should try taking some yourself! hehe!
Thank you. I had a lot of fun putting it together.
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March 2nd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Lucky. This was humorous and kept my interest.
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March 3rd, 2009 at 2:05 am
[...] Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking | The Talent Buzz (tags: twitter networking) [...]
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 am
Yes, this one may finally bridge the generations on understanding socnet basics!
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Seth Simonds reply on March 8th, 2009 6:24 am:
We need something, that’s for sure!
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March 3rd, 2009 at 4:07 am
Somebody build this man a cake. This was brilliant!
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Seth Simonds reply on March 3rd, 2009 5:05 am:
Thanks, Susan!
I really like chocolate cake.
Are you drinking 1%? is it because you think you’re fat? You’re not. You could drink whole milk if you wanted to. =D
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March 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 am
[...] Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide to Social Networking [...]
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:00 pm
SWEET!
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March 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I KNEW that movie had a deeper more relevant message in it besides just being hilarious. Thanks for the enlightenment.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 3rd, 2009 11:27 pm:
Laughter is often the best route to connecting with people in order to share greater concepts.
Napoleon is the best at teaching big lessons with small and funny phrases. =)
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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March 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
[...] 1. Give, like, creative and real compliments. “You have a sweet bike. And you’re really good at hooking up with chicks. Plus you’re like the only guy at school [...] Read More… [...]
March 8th, 2009 at 12:20 am
I really needed to hear this today. Excellent post, thank you.
I most appreciate:
“In order to successfully pursue your own passions, it’s vital that you set limits on how you let others use your time. When your social network is small, it’s tempting to instantly pick up the phone, answer emails, IM, text, tweet, comment, Digg, Stumble, and give a video response to every nudge, ping, poke, and beg that comes across you table. This can grow into a monster that spreads you so thin that you no longer have energy for yourself and the people you hold most dear.”
No long ago I literally spent my entire day either on the phone with clients or meeting with them. Then I would have to send most of the night actually doing my online work and creating PR.
Clients would call my cell phone and leave messages like “call me - I need to touch base with you.” Then when I call them, it turns into an hour long block of time - until I couldn’t get anything done effectively.
I recently changed my voice mail to say “do not leave me a message unless it’s an emergency.” That cut call volume down considerably, still I felt guilty doing it. I want to to everywhere for everyone…but it’s not possible. And they don’t want to talk to my assistants…they want to talk to ME.
I Appreciate the validation in your post. Quality is most definitely better than quantity, it’s okay to set limits on your time!
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Seth Simonds reply on March 8th, 2009 6:23 am:
Hi Laurel!
I think there’s a balance to be had between quick, courteous responses, frenzied knee-jerk reactions, and complete apathy. Finding that balance can be terribly frustrating at times, but once you do, heaven!
Yes, it’s okay to put limits on how others can access your time. Be good to yourself. If you’re not, you simply can’t expect others to do it for you.
Good luck!
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March 8th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I think it might be harder for women to “be good to themselves,” even though, as professionals in the work force, we know in our heart of hearts that no one is going to do it for us. Sometimes it is easier said then done, hence the feelings of guilt for doing the obvious.
Thank you for your consideration.
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March 8th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Awesome post Seth, thanks!
“Do the chickens have large talons?”
o_O
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Seth Simonds reply on March 8th, 2009 9:40 pm:
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about”
=)
Thanks, Nicola!
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March 9th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
It’s a liger!
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March 10th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
[...] Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking | The Talent Buzz "If you’re not an idiot, you’ve seen the movie. Now, with even bigger hair and sweeter dance moves, five hints on social networking from the master, Napoleon Dynamite!" (tags: social networking media fun humour) [...]
March 10th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Thank you for the reminder about Social Networking that made me laugh to boot! Laughing is always good– I’ll share this with my list as well.
Off to conquer the my day with a paint brush in hand!
Tara
ArtLicensingInfo.com
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Seth Simonds reply on March 15th, 2009 3:38 pm:
Do you paint glamor portraits, Tara? =) Yes, yes. Laughing is always good. We’d all do better to laugh more often considering all the things we have to frown about.
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March 14th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Love it! I can’t get enough of the guy. I wonder where feeding Tina fits into it all?
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Seth Simonds reply on March 15th, 2009 3:40 pm:
Tina…she fits in as your average consumer who’s constantly approached by unwittingly-produced and poorly targeted ads. “Hi dude, buy some tampax” makes about the same sense as “Tina, eat some ham!” and yet we continue to have our senses bludgeoned by ads meant for an entirely different demographic.
Fair enough? =)
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Heather Happymaker reply on March 15th, 2009 3:53 pm:
It’s like you read my mind! Especially the part about tampons.
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March 15th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
This Napoleon Dynamite guy sounds “unique”. I think I need to know a little more about him before this post makes complete sense! Entertaining non the less.
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March 15th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I feel so much more socially adept at web networking now!
I mean, we chat online for, like, two hours every day so I guess you could say things are gettin’ pretty serious.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 15th, 2009 3:41 pm:
Don’t be jealous just because I spent all day chatting with hot babes online! =)
Yes, definitely pretty serious. It wasn’t until the…3rd viewing of the movie that I caught what the original description of laFonda was…a petite blonde? LOL.
It’s an adventure. Welcome!
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March 15th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Don’t forget about having skills. Chicks dig guys with skills, nunchuk skills, growing a mustache skills, drawing skills, these can be real icebreakers.
Also, gifts, like baking a cake or something, and handwritten notes have value in the dynamics of social networking.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 15th, 2009 3:43 pm:
Gosh! You’re right!
Yes, sharing your passion for exciting things you’re skilled at like drawing and using a bow staff will definitely start a crowd around you.
Is there a substitute for the handwritten note or does it simply become more valuable as it’s use declines?
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March 15th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
So funny Seth! A humorous way to present some really useful info - great skills!
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March 15th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I’m an idiot/ I didn’t see the movie/ But now I want to
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Seth Simonds reply on March 15th, 2009 3:48 pm:
Here’s a youtube clip of the top 10moments to get you started. Lots of fun! http://bit.ly/XL6eQ
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March 15th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Finally, some decent advice on social networking that goes beyond setting up a twitter ID to generate more traffic to your site. Great angle using Napoleon Dynamite. I especially agree with 2 and 3. I have to take time out for my self and go have those interesting experiences to share instead of reading everyone else who is out there creating great stories. In social networking one of the things I enjoy most is putting my connections to work for others. When my friends and connections have problems that need to be solved, I get to work trying to find a solution, or someone who has a solution. It’s kind of a fun game for me.
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Seth Simonds reply on March 15th, 2009 4:31 pm:
Isn’t it JUST TERRIBLE to have so much fun while being so productive? =)
Setting up a Twitter ID…really won’t do much for a site’s traffic unless you’re trying to go from 5 hits a day to 10 hits. What it does do is provide added connectivity through which a person can make new connections and use interesting conversations to engage people who eventually become readers. It truly is a lot of fun!
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March 15th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Yesssssssssssssssssssss.
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March 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
While I like the whole list I have to say 2,3, and 5 are things I try to do as much as possible. *laughs* The use of Napoleon Dynamite for the guide is a bonus, might be a good idea for a monthly feature for something both informative AND a laugh? If not Napoleon perhaps other characters?
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March 15th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Great tips Napoleon, I mean, Seth! You have really good skills. If only you could offer me, like, 75% off on my glamour shots…in all seriousness, this is great advice, thanks for sharing!
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March 23rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
[...] Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking (thetalentbuzz.com) [...]
March 24th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
[...] The Napoleon Dynamite Guide to Social Media. [...]
March 30th, 2009 at 3:48 am
I keep sending people the link to this hilarious article. Finally I posted it in my “Twitter Stellars” on my website. & thanks for teaching me to be tactful - one of the best things I’ve learned on Twitter!
Fondly
suzanneally
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July 9th, 2009 at 2:58 am
[...] cruising through the archives of The Talent Buzz the other day and came across an article called Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite’s Guide To Social Networking. Not only is it good for a laugh, it also has some great advice when it comes to getting the most [...]
October 1st, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Resisting the urge to quote a few lines or even throw in a “Gosh,” I’ll just say that I knew right away I was in for some great advice. I wasn’t disappointed! Thanks Seth.
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