Is It Self-Centered For Mike Dillard to UnFollow 10,000 People?
Read More: What mindset must have possessed Mike Dillard to unfollow 10,000 people who have so graciously benefitted him?
As we ponder this whole question and the rationale behind it let's explore the entire concept of reciprocity...
When 10,000 people made the decision to follow Mike they also gave him their energy. That presence of those 10,000 followers gave a very specific and precise energy to Mike by which he has benefitted to some degree or another.
In return Mike followed them and that association gave them energy likewise.
In retracting 10,000 follows, he is also retracting 10,000 units of energy that benefitted those 10,000 people thus negating the law of reciprocity in those relationships.
Now the energy transfer is all very one sided, all benefitting Mike Dillard. Now, I'm not sure Mike really considered it in this way, or maybe he did. I don't know Mike, but it's my personal feeling that this displays a certain degree of ingratitude to those who have freely given him so much energy in the first place for him to turn and take all of his energy back from them.
What you give out to people, or take away from them, eventually comes full circle and Mike may find his reward for this choice not so pleasant, at least if the theory holds true, that would likely be the eventual outcome.
If 10,000 people realize that Mike has unfollowed them and that held value for them, Mike may find that he will lose credibility at the very least, to the tune of 10,000 units of energy. However, there are also many more than those 10,000 people who are now aware of this news and the negative energy that sends out may be multiplied several times over.
There are at least 3 general forms of reciprocity, one to one, one to many & many to one, and generalized reciprocity.
All patterns of reciprocity, and related ideas like gratitude, are central to social and political philosophy, and have been from Plato onward.
Such ideas concern the ways in which patterns and norms of reciprocity might have a role in theories of justice, stable and productive social systems, healthy personal relationships, and ideals for human social life generally.
In Plato's Crito, Socrates considers whether citizens might have a duty of gratitude. Might this hold true for Mike, and if so what will he lose by disassociating himself with 10,000 people who have benefitted him?
Equally, Mike Dillard violates the Golden Rule, "Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you." Will the outward violation of this rule also have a negative consequence in regards to Mike's welfare? In like concern, will there be consequences to those who have been unfollowed?
Will the arrogant concept that "You should follow me because I'm important and add value to you, but I shouldn't have to follow you because you're not important and don't add value to me" truly hold up?
Mike may be finding out very shortly if he still chooses to follow through on his stated purpose.
Good luck Mike. I hope you find the right answer that truly serves not only you, but everyone involved. If all else fails try leading with the heart of a servant...
Abundance & Prosperity in all you do,
Randy Enman
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Comments: 45 
About the Author: Randy Enman
Member Since: 11/02/2008
Company: ARC Media -- Advertising-Relations-CoMarketing & Cedar Bear Naturales -- 100% Non-Alcohol Liquid Herbals
Industry: Marketing and Advertising
Primary Web Site: http://twitter.com/IMTrailblazer
Hello Randy! Ya know what I think?
The fact that Mike Dillard abandoned 10,000 people on Twitter doesn't have one iota of bearing on where I'm going with my business! The only bearing it has is on the minds of those who really give a damn, lol, sorry, but I'm not one of them! All said with love and good intentions!
Happy St. Patty's Day Randy!
What the hell is a Karma Error!
Thats what I get when I try to vote you a thumbs up on this post, I'm laughing so hard I can hardly stand myself! Mike's got the Lepruchan's spying on us, and putting Karmic Errors on any post that critisizes him, well I'm off to the pot o gold at the end of the rainbow my friend!
Point well taken Paul...
...you crack me up! LOL Nothing to be sorry about. You make a good point.
A guy's got to write about something... he he he
As someone who is in a
As someone who is in a company with which Mike Dillard is strongly associated this comes as no surprise. If you know Mike Dloughy's colours to success in my opinion Mike is a Red = Shark totally focussed on money. Yes he 'gives' away bootcamp series but he knows these will attract you to buy from him. He has provided great quality products and I have four. But as for some of the copy we are asked to send to our teams (which Mike does not have any input to I am sure) I do alter the odd word to avoid some unsubscribes.
He now says publically he tolerates zero negativity in his life which I think is near impossible but hey ho. So maybe the shark finally ate up all the fishes - question will it backfire on his sales?
Yup I agree...
We've beaten this one to death. I do know Mike, and he's a straight up guy. I assure you, he WILL do what he says he will. Of course, Paul is sooooo right....how does this affect us? Not one iota. OK, yeah, well....it affected me very positively. I wrote about it, got a lot of people to my site, and got a few more followers as a result. So there. Happy St. Paddy's day. Have a drink on me.
Shecky
Self Centered?
Greetings Randy, Paul and Andrew. I have a question for you. Have you ever walked in on a conversation that appeared heated before you got there and someone pulled you in for your input? I hit the page to see what's hot and Dang!
I am an Internet based marketer with over 15 years of network marketing experience. I was involved with several companies who's names would undoubtedly be familiar to many of you.
Today, my attention has shifted to the "online" world. I have been researching and studying this niche for a little more than 3 years. Mike Dillard is one of those that I supported and followed. With the passing of time, I have discovered that this world is very different than what I was used to, but I feel very comfortable here. Now, my desire is to share some of my network marketing knowledge with others as I learn and grow with this industry.
You see, I have successfully worked with others for many years, with 30 years of military experience mixed in with rather difficult and diverse situations. With that, there is one fact that I am certain of , . . (come closer so you are sure to get this). The fact is, if you truly and sincerely help other people get what they want, you will get what you want as well. Focusing on the success of others is key in business and in life, for that matter. In addition, that focus also helps to keep us humble and true.
Here's to your success!
Carlton
Just My 2cents
I sent Mike a tweet about this when I got his email. He made a valid point and I guess he took a postion on what he felt was right.
But...it may be fighting windmills.
The point I got from his email was that....with building followers and being followed, are we doing it just to have a lot of people to send links to or are we really doing it with an attemp to actually connect with people.
I've been building a pretty good sized list (not 10,000) but ok for me. But I only really "know" a very few. The rest are people that are on my list and we send links back and forth to. So, from a social network prespective...its not social at all. Its just a link blast to a list.
I've got no issue with what he did, I dont even think he was trying to bring attention to himself. I dont know who all got his email.
So, its all good. Thats my opinion.
Shecky....make mine a Jamison & soda, thanks.
I got the same email...
I think on the one hand, Mike did have a point. You shouldn't follow people just because they've followed you. If someone follows you it's either because they value what you have to say or it's just because they want you to follow them. If they follow you because they value what you have to say, then great... they're getting something from it anyway. If they follow you just because they want the follow in return? Well... more than likely they're going to be ignorning anything you have to say anyway and spamming their ads.
So my rule of thumb is I take a look at everyone's profile who follows me. If I find value in what they have to say, then I follow them back... if I don't, well then I don't bother. Not that what they have to say isn't valuable... it just doesn't interest me.
That being said, though... I follow about 90% of the people who follow me because I'm not just looking to connect with other marketers. I like connecting with other parents who are dealing with similar parenting issues. I like connecting with other authors because I'm an author myself. Basically anyone who I share an interest with in some way or another, I will follow.
So in the case of what Mike is doing... I find it hard to believe that he can't find some kind of value in at least some of those thousands of people. I can understand unfollowing those who just spam ads or those he shares no interest with, but to unfollow everyone just because he doesn't know them... that seems kind of weird. I mean... the whole point of social networking is to get to know people (or at least that's what I thought).
Renee
Thank you everyone!
Thanks to all the wonderful points you all have made.
Just to be quite clear, I wasn't out to stir the hornets nest, just looking for some opinions and feedback, and I think everyone's responded with the level-headedness that I expected.
So thank you for not getting too emotional about it! :)
I have to say very specifically, that I would agree with your philosophy on Twitter follows Renee.
I've followed people that are into marketing and internet business in general, but I've also followed people who's main interest is compost, food storage, their faith, personal development, and so on.
I can only imagine that at least some of the 10,000 that Mike will unfollow are people that I myself AM following and that he could find some degree of value in continuing to follow.
But a man's got to do what a man's got to do... I'm sure Mike feels he's doing the right thing.
Abundance & Prosperity,
Randy Enman
I think Mike's echoing what
I think Mike's echoing what a lot of people are feeling, and he's the perfect person to run that experiment, because his marketing plan is so solid in other areas. I like that the heavy hitters are taking different approaches, it's going to benefit all of us to know the answers.
If he unfollows me? I'm pretty sure that Mike Dillard is not my target audience. I'm HIS. Am I going to comment on his multi million dollar generating marketing campaign? Not today!
Am I going to take it personally? Why should I?
Thank you Alicia!
I appreciate the comments.
I was never followed by Mike Dillard anyhow, so I don't have too much attachment one way or the other.
I pretty much share Paul's attitude... It really isn't going to have any impact on my business one way or the other.
It will truly only affect those people who care about it ...maybe!
Abundance & Prosperity,
Randy Enman
No loss at all...
Hi
Well to be honest....no negative impact at all. No loss either. Because those who live by the laws of abundance do not worry about loss. There really is no loss, whatsoever. Rather, someone who made a decision and that is it.
As all of us, have a right to our decisions, choice and in reality, what does Mike owe anyone or what does anyone? Nothing. Everyone got more back than they ever put in and he always over delivers from what I have bought from him. Always.
We don't say to those damn bills, "Oi! I paid you every month, for the last upteen years. How come you don't let me go for even one month man?"
And yet, with knowledge, we do?
We are bombarded every day on the 'loss' or what we 'may lose' and I see it a lot on new things launching. Those who live a life of abundance won't panic or feeling anything really but the reality.
If Mike has value for the followers, then no matter of who he unfollows. It's cool. They'll follow anyway and check what he is saying. Even if he unfollows me. I'll hunt him down anyway and keep an eye on what he is doing and not because he made me successful.
Rather he holds a certain value which I value. So obviously will check his work out. For success is not due to anyone but what one applies in their life but grateful for the mentor to share.
There won't be no resentment, no ill feeling, nothing whatsoever. Mainly because in leadership, there is a greater understanding that no one loses and life is abundant.
I just hope when I do unfollow anyone, they understand too and not take it personally or any other way. It's just a decision I need to do because I feel it in my gut.
Anyway that's me, but no loss at all. I feel he is making the right decision.
Adam Taha
Thanks Adam...
Point well taken. I like your example about the bills. LOL
...and you are absolutely right that if you are coming from abundance that it's not really going to have any impact on you anyhow.
Abundance & Prosperity,
Randy Enman
Learn from others' mistakes
I think this is really a case of someone just starting to use a new tool and then figuring out what it's all about. I really think he just made a mistake following so many people, realized it and is trying to correct it - and maybe it didn't come across right to some people, but I think he wanted everyone to learn from that mistake. Honestly, can you imagine following 10,000 people?? How would you get anything out of it or really get to know anyone? Twitter is about getting involved in conversations and learning from others, so I do agree with Mike on this point. Only follow people you really want to pay attention to and converse with. And as someone being followed, participate and carry on conversations. In this case, it's quality relationships, not quantity.
Oh by the way, you can follow me at Twitter http://twitter.com/dblunt LOL!!
Debbie
http://www.enlightenednetworkmarketer.com
Is Twitter the Emperor's New Clothes?
Hi all,
I was umming and aah-ing about where to post this, and I figure this is as good a place as any. Can anyone explain to me the value of Twitter? I've had an account for a little while now, and I'm really not "getting it".
Let me explain first of all, I am not a newbie with Internet stuff, my last job in the UK was developing front- and back-end systems with a major web hosting / ISP company. I met my wife online (12-ish years ago before Internet dating had been invented - trust me, people thought we were mad), and I can still remember regularly using apps like Microsoft Comic Chat, PIRCH and mIRC (hell, I remember when BBS's were the hot new thing, and Compuserve lol)
But what does Twitter do that Skype, AIM, MSN etc. don't? OK, let me rephrase that - I can see how you might get into Twitter, and then say "I don't get the point of MSN" because Twitter is your personal favourite lightweight IM tool (minus file sharing and other features). But I don't get the value in terms of online business - and this is where my views touch on the things in this discussion.
Everyone is rushing to Twitter, but do they know why? Is it because they have found that this is a great way to keep in touch with people they want to? Or are they rushing to it because "someone said it was the cool/hot thing to do"?
If it's the latter, then allow me to point out that the Emperor is indeed naked :)
Gaz
p.s. My own excuse for using Twitter was to take a look, out of professional/geeky interest - please feel free to use that excuse as your own LOL.
p.p.s. If someone can give me a compelling argument on the value of Twitter, I will be delighted. At the moment I am seeing more "stuff for the sake of stuff".
Uh, who cares?
If anybody's upset about Mike deciding not to follow them any more, they really should take a step back and re-evaluate their philosophy.
Personally, I don't live for anyone else, and I expect nobody to live for me. Period. And, that goes for everyone, every situation, ever.
I don't live for my upline, and I don't expect them to live for me.
I don't live for my downline, and I don't expect them to live for me.
When it comes to followers or whatever, it's the same way.
Being upset about Mike choosing not to follow you implies that you expect Mike (or whoever) to do something just because it would make you happy -- as if they should be obligated to you for something. Well, sorry, but that's just nonsense.
At the end of the day, though, I think I'm with Gary... I don't really get the point of Twitter in the first place. Oh well, at least now I know I'm not alone.
10 to 20% of my better prospects have come from Twitter
Hey Dan and Gary I appreciate your insight on this issue and the value of Twitter in general.
As the title of my comment indicates, I want to share with you the fact that 10 to 20% of my better prospects have been met through Twitter.
Some I met on Twitter and invited to Better Networker. Others saw value in some of my posts and commented on them and I continued the conversation from there.
I've met folks of varying interests there. Not just all marketing and biz related, but folks that share common interests in personal development, gardening, composting, my chosen faith, music, and just plain joking around, being social and having fun.
I often place links to my articles on BN at Twitter and it could honestly be used as a location to link back to any website, blog, video, etc that you choose.
If you don't yet see the value of Twitter, it's worth investigating, learning more about, and discovering how others have put it to use making it an indispensable tool in their repertoire.
Abundance & Prosperity in all you do,
Randy Enman
IT'S ALL ABOUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE
After receiving Mike's e-mail, I recalled an article I read in Entrepreneur(March, 2009) pg. 36 by Guy Kawasaki. The title of the article was, " Create a Twitter Following".
He talks about the practicle implications of having a large following on Twitter. He tells a story about being in his hotel and discovering that he forgot to bring his MacBook power supply with him. He was leaving for a remote location the next morning. So what did he do? He posted a message on Twitter, and within 10 minutes, five people offered to bring him a power supply! Within an hour, one of them delivered him one!
He then continues to tell about what he considers to be the practical uses of Twitter. He lists 10 implications of a large following, which range from; "Follow the "smores", or "social media whores", "establish your self as a subject expert", "follow everyone who follows you", "and ask people to follow you".
So, I believe that each individual has their own implications, reasons, values, and beliefs for using Twitter. Mike chose to use his freedom of choice of how he wants to use Twitter, just as Guy listed his reasons for "Tweeting"
To your freedom of choice,
Judy
Look who Mike is following.
After Mike went on his unfollow rampage, I took a look at the people he is following. iJustine? What's he following her for? She's pretty but does she really have something valuable to say in relation to Mike's business? Is she in MLM or had purchased any of his materials? He's following Kevin Rose - the guy who started Digg. Same thing, is he in our industry or purchased any of Mike's stuff? I'm not upset that I was on Mike's unfollow list but I do think this move pegs him as a hypocrite. A while back he made a point of sayiong that he'd be using Facebook and Twitter to communicate with us all - do you remember that email he sent out stating this? Now that he's unfollowed me, I'm not able to send him a DM on Twitter. What kind of communication is that?
I agree with Mike Dillard
As of present, I'm following a little over 1000. That's not much; but it can be enough to exceed the tweet limits on Twitter. If I'm reading idiot tweets like "My baby just puked" (which wasted one of my stream-counts) with my 1000; it makes me wonder what junk Mike (or anyone else) is reading with 10,000 plus; and who has time to group them?
I stopped following all the people who follow me a while back. I read their updates; and said, "No way!" If followers are insulted by that; they're welcomed to unfollow me too. I'm doing fine so far.
My Twitter name is P_R_writer.
I agree with Freda and Mike
I have not been on twitter long enough to grow to thousands, but I have been on long enought to realize it is time consuming. If using twitter for business or pleasure, find those people that fit what you are looking for. Like the one fellow said who wants to hear if the baby is sick or some one is getting ready to have coffee.
It is about attracting, just like anything else and if I following someone I can add to their life and they add to mine that is the point.
I am still going to follow but be a little more selective..
I am Patty02 on twitter
As I said a thousand times Mike Dillard is a Genius
However he is not in the MLM industry he sells shovels. He does not need to make long Term relationships. But one question to unfollow 10.000 people that will take 10 hours or more does anyone really have time for that? unless some one forgot to tell me how to MASS unfollow.
Your friend for lIfe Juanita Waterman
SO TRUE Carlton
I couldn't agree with you more..in helping others get what they want, you will get what you want and more. I wish I could duplicate you in my business. Continued success in your business.
Can Anyone Say Overrated?
I think that all of this reciprocity stuff is for the birds. If you like what someone has to say then you should do everything you can to follow them on Twitter. On the other hand, if someone follows you there is nothing anywhere that says you should follow them. If you like what they have to say, sure you should. But other than that you're under no obligation. Do I think that we should give people what they want? Yes. But at what expense? Is something as trivial as a reciprocal follow really going to make or break your business? I sure hope not. If that's the case you need a much healthier dose of self-esteem when you wake up in the morning. It's almost as if saying that you have to do everything that everyone asks you to do. If that's the case, when would you ever get anything done for yourself? Mike, I appreciate you. And I agree that your authenticity is more important than a bunch of reciprocal follows on Twitter. Keep doing what you do. Those that understand will continue to follow you. Those that want to cry because you unfollowed are not worthy of what you have to say. If people want to get bent out of shape, let them. It's just wasted energy anyway.
Who the Hell Do You Think You Are?
Ok, I think people are using this opportunity to score some "controversy" points by going against what a top leader is saying and others geniunely disagree.
Either way, I want to ask a tough question: Who the hell do you think you are???
(I told you it would be tough)
Honestly. Answer the question. Because as far as I'm concerned, a year and a half ago when I got on Mike Dillard's radar and he took an appreciation for what Ray and I were accomplishing, I was truly humbled and grateful for his attention.
Today he's a really good friend and business partner, but I don't take that friendship for granted, because I had to work so hard for it. It's an honor to be taken seriously by Mike and other leaders like Jay Kubassek, Charles Heflin, Tim Erway, Mike Klingler, Ann Sieg, and many others.
The fact that they would point to me as someone they would recommend for a job or on a topic of expertise is F#$%@$# AWESOME!
So the fact that Mike's following list will now reflect who he would recommend that you learn and follow, is far more valuable to you than getting a "follow back" from Mike.
But I think this is also reflective of where Mike sees himself. He's not depending on meeting and connecting with a few dozen people like the average networker. He's beyond that point in his career.
However, you may still need to do that and connect with as many people as you can. That's ok too. But you need to recognize where you are at in your business and accept it.
Mike's role is to give you direction and his following list is a part of that. Your role is to connect with as many folks as you can and add value to them. Your follow list should reflect that as well.
So if you are not on Mike's follow list, it just means you still got some work to do.
-Ferny
Right on Frida!
It's not that difficult to figure out that neither Mike nor anyone else with thousands of people on their Twitter lists are actually reading tweets. Mike and other internet marketers are working at things that make real money or they're enjoying life--skiing and such things! I've kept my list of people I follow quite small, don't follow people just because they follow me because they clutter up the stuff I really want to read. I couldn't care less if someone's baby just puked! I also delete people who post more than 6 tweets within a matter of second--what's wrong with email? Somehow I doubt I'll ever become a Twitter fan. Give me Facebook anyday! This stuff wastes so much time that could be better spent having a real life, not just an online one.
Thank you for your insight
Thank you for your insight Judy. You make some great points.
I do recall reading that article from Guy also. Thanks for the reminder.
Abundance & Prosperity,
Randy Enman
Good points Daniel. I
Good points Daniel. I must've missed that email, but your point seems valid.
I guess you can still PM him on BN or @Reply on Twitter.
Thanks for your contribution,
Randy Enman
Mikes Unfollowing...
I've been associated indirectly with Mike for a few years now. By indirect I mean that I own most of his products and also follow him on twitter.
When I recieved Mike's e-mail about the "unfollowing" I was somewhat taken back.
Now, I don't know if he has quit following me, as of yet. And I won't hold it against him if he has. Yet the fact remains that I have followed Mike for years and even before he got onto twitter with his presence. So, is it self -centered, I don't know...Maybe Mike just thinks it's functional.
Rob
Self-centeredness
Mike is taking a risk with that move, of course. It's pretty evident just based on the fact that this thread was started alongside a few other threads (i.e. SHECKY's thread).
In terms of his e-mail about Facebook and Twitter, I remember it as well and communicated with him about a thought that he recommended a product (Social Media Secrets by Perry Belcher) that taught us a "gimmick." But the fact is there's no right or wrong way to go about this. He just reflected his opinion and took action based on his thoughts.
He certainly interacted with us on Twitter as the complaints rushed in, didn't he. LOL. Guys, relax. It's one dude unfollowing us. You can still use @ replies or DM here on BN as Randy mentioned.
I don't know if I'll call his action self-centerness... more of a calculated risk. Striking a balance between privacy and personal space and business leadership can be tricky. I'll leave it at that ;)
Jerry
P.S. Oh, and my Twitter account is... LOL... Nah...