Wait a minute. De-globalization?

For years we've heard about globalization: the world getting smaller, technology bringing us closer. I credit Thomas Friedman, who made the saying "the world is flat" fashionable once again. 

But now I'm reading about de-globalization. Say what? 

Basically, as I understand it, it refers to a new kind of isolationism brought on by conflict in the world's various hot spots and counter measures against the bad actors.

De-globalization now ranks as one of the bigger threats to economic and societal stability, according to Swiss Re. They came out with their new list of emerging risks and explained that de-globalization takes the form of "sanctions and other interventionist policy ... to stop the flow of capital, goods and people across borders." Think sanctions against Russia, they say.

Big business is sure to bristle at the thought of more obstacles to free enterprise. When it comes to regulation, no one wants to have to play by 130 different sets of rules. I'm not a political scientist but I'm smart enough to suspect this bears watching. 

Here's the report. See p 8.

Are You Anti-Social?

Like the plumber with the leaky pipes, I’ve neglected writing for myself lately. But that means I’ve been busy writing for clients, which is good.

Despite my best intentions I rarely get around to updating my website or penning a blog on the hot communications topic of the day. Today I’m pondering those pithy questions about the most effective ways to build one’s image and reputation.

If I stop blogging altogether, will people forget I exist?

If I freshen my website, will that translate into new business?

If I devote [more] time to social media, will I attract more business partners and prospects?

Those are questions with no easy answers. PR people survived for years without social media. Our ancestors did lunch, coffee, networked and produced solid results. Exceptional performance led to more business. Relationships were built over time and founded on trust. 

The other day, as we were discussing a particularly thorny issue, a client said to me, “I appreciate being able to talk to you about these things. It really helps to get a man’s point of view.” In this day and age when men are often vilified in the workplace and accused of marginalizing women, it was refreshing to be reminded that ours is a business relationship founded on mutual respect.

We communicators are in a “people business” that warrants face-to-face interaction—or at the least picking up the phone when you have something to say. I’m not going to abandon blogging, my website or social media. But it helps to be reminded that great partnerships will always fuel success.

I believe a person can work hard at social media and use the latest apps but it will only take them so far. It still comes down to cultivating relationships with a personal touch.

Do you leverage social media to bolster your reputation and to attract and retain clients? Has it replaced personal interaction to any degree for you? Let me know.