Times sure have changed. But have the rules of social engagement?

What would Dale Carnegie say about all of this virtual networking and online social interaction. Does his methodology work in new media?

Sure it does. With a few minor updates, of course.

I broke Mr. Carnegie’s rules today in a comment thread on a prominent blogger’s post. (No links; that’s not the point of this post.) I let my guard down and my unpolished opinion out. And I spoke far too frankly. (Oddly, something I’d never allow myself to do on Facebook, where “everybody knows my name”…at least everybody with whom I’m “friends.”)

In an effort to be thought provoking, I provoked. And then I got called out on it. On twitter.

Welcome to REAL social media.

But here’s the turn: getting “called out” turned into an actual call. A phone call. With yet another very prominent blogger. And there was a real dialogue. A clarification. A new understanding. That very kind person reached out a virtual hand to me.  And we talked on the phone as we would in person.

Welcome to the POWER of real social media.

I learned a huge lesson today. Where I thought I saw a lack of humility, I found my own. My approach to commenting when I disagree with the content of a post will change. I will imagine that I’m standing right in front of that person speaking the very words I’m typing.

We all should. THAT is how you truly “friend” friends and twinfluence people.

Or at least I think that’s what Dale Carnegie would say.

What do you think?

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