The Power Of Vulnerability in Human Communications

So much of what we study in SEO is how to better communicate with the end user to supply meaningful information.  It's all about how to connect and feel connected to each other via the internet.  Some fundamental human emotions can greatly change our interpersonal and corporate behaviors to solidify those connections we all seek in life.

A recent TEDx speech by Brene Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share about shame, courage, compassion, connection and fully embracing vulnerability.

Brene Brown talks about connection: The ability to feel connected is the goal of all communication and is destroyed by one thing - shame.  The fear of disconnection, shame, fear and our struggle for acceptance lies in our vulnerability.  As a person or as a company, letting go of who you think you "should be" and accepting "who you are" and fully embracing vulnerability are the keys to experiencing true connections with others, both online and off.  


Only by allowing ourselves to be broken, exposing our flaws, do we truly open our hearts and souls to love, acceptance, and understanding.  This is as true in the corporate world of online marketing as it is in personal connections.  Relating to others in an authentic and true way, understanding that nobody is perfect and that we all make mistakes, and accepting life's vulnerable moments are what draw us together as people and create deep and strong connections between family, friends, business partners, and customers. 


In this age of social media, we are more connected than ever before in human history.  Watch and learn and let it change the way you connect online and in your personal relationships in life: Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability. 

Link Building: It's Not WHAT You Know, But WHO You Know!

Link Building is a huge topic in the Search Optimization world since Google's Panda update back in February 2011 which raised the value on a site's authority when calculating page rankings in search results.  Actually link building has been an issue for SEO's for years.  The actual process of having external sites link back into your website by hyper-linking specific keywords can take quite some time to implement and analyse results.  


First off, it can take years to build personal and professional relationships with the content authors of news, blog, technology, and product information websites.  Then contracting to link exact keywords to your site can be an issue. And then you have to analyse how each link has effected your search rankings.  For these reasons, most companies choose to hire a Link Building Service Agency to hire out this process.  


These link building agencies already have the relationships in place with reputable publications and can contract to link specific keywords back into your site, which basically amounts to paid keyword services.  They can also help track how each link has influenced search rankings for those specific keywords which can help with your ROI reporting.


Since being on the job hunt for several months, I've discovered how important  face-to-face "link building", otherwise known as "networking" can be.  It greatly helps to put your face with your name for recruiters and head-hunters who are trying to sell your services and find you a job.  The more they can relate to you and understand what your do best, the better than they work their match making skills to find you that perfect job fit.  It also helps to join and attend industry networking events and shake a few hands and be seen as an active participant in your industry.  


Building better communication with your friendship groups is also so important, not just in helping your professional networks, but in making true connections with people who can help benefit your life goals, as well. When you start spending time with the right people, you're whole outlook on life can change for the better.  These are the people you enjoy, who love and appreciate you, and who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways.  They are the ones who make you feel more alive, and not only embrace who you are now, but also embrace and embody who you want to be, unconditionally.  Check out "30 Things to Start Going for Yourself" to read more.


You never know what recommendations from colleagues and friends might just land you a job.  As the saying goes, it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know!