What is the reason you choose to connect with someone on Rallypoint?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:57:59 -0400

I see all the notices about who connected with who and I started wondering, What is driving the connections? Are the connections occurring as a way to build influence or are they occurring because of agreement, respect, MOS, branch, or for other reasons. Here on Rallypoint we know we are with for the most part brothers and sisters in arms. I'm sure we all share the common feeling of allegiance to each other for this reason alone. Common experiences, backgrounds, and the feeling of community. Esprit de corps, makes it easier for us to connect to each other. Does knowing that vetting happens here make it easier for us to talk, share opinions, and make connections? Personally I do feel more at ease about making connections here than on other social media networks.
http://www.brandeis.edu/now/2011/march/friendship.html

Social media study shows how we choose friends | BrandeisNOW

It's like Confucius says: Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 19 at 2015 10:10 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:10:37 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I connect out of respect when someone views my profile or responds to discussions/posts or I like their discussion or post comments/replies. I connect because of like hobbies (Harley Riders, drums, bands, music, sales, healthcare, etc.), I connect because of similar backgrounds, retirement, logistics, and because of their civilian careers as well. You can never stop developing contacts for future business opportunities, mentoring, helping others, coaching, and even linking up at Sturgis during the 75th Anniversary this year. I always send a thank you message to the individuals that I connect with to let them know I’m available to answer questions and help out with additional questions and topics they may need help with.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 19 at 2015 10:23 AM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:23:27 -0400

I connect with people to get different perspectives. I enjoy personal growth through interactions and sharing opinions.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 10:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:41:52 -0400

I try to connect with as many as I can. Most of all is being honest and if I respect them for what they are saying. Even if they don't agree with me as long as I can respect them as a professional.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 19 at 2015 11:23 AM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 11:23:04 -0400

I like interacting with Service Members and Veterans. I really don't care about branch even though I like the back and forth crap giving or MOS each has chosen - I'm Infantry and sorry to make you jealous deep down. Through what I've done in Veteran circles the one thing at the end of the day is that all of us signed no the dotted line and said my life is yours. How cool is that?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 12:54 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 12:54:20 -0400

I connect for various reasons. I have found a lot of people I had served with, who I would like to keep in touch with, and also see where their careers are taking them. I've also connected with a few who I have engaged with on posts and replies, who I believe can help me to grow as a person through different viewpoints and experiences. I also connect to gain insight into various avenues available for veterans and service members that I may not be aware of, not only for myself and my husband, but also for the Airmen that he mentors who may choose to separate in the near future. Overall, my main objective in connecting is to broaden my knowledge and gain from the experiences of others in both my personal life and in the ability to help those around me.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 23 at 2015 7:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 19:42:35 -0400

I connect with those who don't dislike me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 7:35 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 07:35:40 -0400

Respect is a big reason. Does the person have something of value to say? Can they carry on a discussion in a civilized manner, even if they disagree with other's viewpoints. Do they own (and use) common sense? Variety is the spice of life and although finding people from different branches ups your points, I gain a lot of knowledge through these connections. I also focus on networking with those within my own MOS/branch, both for mentorship (giving & receiving) and camaraderie.