Grab More Market Share: How to Wrangle Business Away from Lazy Competitors

Have You Had This Facebook Conversation . . . with Yourself?

I just posted my most recent random pictures as if to say, “Here is what I like to do and whom I like to do it with.”

I post short videos I have recently seen (or uploaded from my phone) to show the world. The inference is, “This is me doing something you may be interested in—but probably not.”

I look up people I used to know to see if I can “friend” them.

I look up famous people and take a chance that they will be my “friend.” Some accept me. Others don't. I feel rejected. But then I remember that I don't accept everyone, either.

I get invited to join obscure groups or engage in discussions with people who are interested in something I don't think is very cool.

The “What's on your mind?” comment box beckons me. To be funny I write, “I wonder how many people in Burundi have Justin Bieber on their iPods?” But I get offended if nobody reads it—or even replies with a countercomment. In fact, nobody even checked the box, “Like This.” I feel stupid. Dejected, I tweet the 38 people who follow me, “I think I will have some egg salad to cheer myself up.”

For all of their admittedly fascinating and helpful services, Facebook and Twitter are inadvertently designed to reward virtual self-centeredness—a trend that naturally carries over into real life. It doesn't take long for an expert Facebook subscriber to honestly believe that the world can't wait to see what happens to him or her next.

Seriously, are you really that important? ...