Remember the nostalgic days of yore when the old farmers gathered at the hardware store, you know, the one with the creaky wood floor.  They swapped stories about the weather, crop yields and such?  The old pickle barrel was the preferred social media site of the day.  Networking was a common thing, though they may have not used the term.

When the farmers and merchants got together to swap stories and share tips they were engaging in the same behaviors modern networkers employ today.  I can imagine them gathering every week or so for a game of checkers, a cold soda and a pickle.  They would start with light conversation, sharing the latest news and gossip.  The conversation would naturally lead to talk of recent weather, crop growth and struggles.  One of the farmers may say something like, ” I’m having the greatest problem getting my corn seeds to geminate this year.”  One of the more seasoned farmers might reply, “You know, I was havin’ the same problem last year.  Know what I did?  I poured them into a big barrel and…”  Can you see the scene?  Can you imagine the conversation?  Here is one farmer telling another farmer how to increase his yield or fight the latest blight.  He is a “competitor” in the market and yet he is sharing his secrets.  Does that sound insane?  Would you do the same?

The smart, older,  farmer knows this conversation will loop around next year when he has losses due to hail damage or draught.  He knows, as part of a community, we are all connected and need to support each other for greater success.  The pickle barrel has power for him.  The checker board is a source of inspiration and support.  He knows the merchant will tell him about the latest fertilizer or seed hybrid.  Other farmers will yield secrets and tips that will help the community.  There is a tremendous amount of information to be shared around that old pickle barrel.

Is the current method for social networking really working?  Is it the way we communicate or is it merely a forum to connect people who will, ultimately, connect on a deeper level?  Was that old pickle barrel and checker board merely a precursor to the modern day “Tweetup”?

Never forget the power of conversation.  Never forget the importance of sharing time with those who matter.  Always seek to sit across the pickle barrel from another human you care about and invest some time playing checkers.  Maybe even share a soda or two.  You never know what will happen…unless you stay home.