For a moment, close your eyes and envision your network, the people you interact with, virtually or face-to-face, as a huge library with rows of books.   Think of how each person fits into the shelf as a category: self-help, motivation, business advice, how-to, friendship, humor; you get the idea.

When was the last time you read a book from one of the categories?  Meaning, when was the last time you learned something from your network?  It occurs on a daily basis, if you stop to think about it.

Each day we learn from others, from the people in our network.  It may be by reading status updates and fan page updates on Facebook.  It could come from answering a question or accepting a request to connect on LinkedIn.  It could be interacting with followers on Twitter.  We learn each time we interact, as long as we are open to learning and actively participating in the conversation.  How can you learn more?  Read more blogs, books and sites; actively participate with your network; ask your friends, followers and connections what they are involved with and how you can help.

What have I learned from my network?  Plenty.  From @NursbevW (today, 1/25, is her birthday!) I have learned how to selflessly give to others and to put others needs first.  As the Founder and Director of Crafters with Love, Bev gives of herself to others.  She makes sure other families have Christmas before she does; working tirelessly to raise money and awareness to help others.  I have a long way to go before I give like Bev does, but I learn from her constantly.

From @MickeJ57 I have learned how to properly thank others for their service.  Mickey has created a following on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube because of his Mick’s Pick videos.  Videos that highlight the men and women that have sacrificed and served our country.  Memorials are terrific, but Mickey is making sure that we know these individuals and thank them while they are still with us.  Thank you Mickey for what you do.

From @Iconic88 I have learned that being a positive force can have a tremendous affect on others.  If you don’t follow “my brother” on Twitter, you should.  Tweeting the positive, encouraging random acts of kindness and reminding us all that we can make a difference in others lives is just a sampling of what this man does.  The Chief Happiness Office on Twitter lives up to his name and will provide a daily pick-me-up!

On a daily basis I learn how to be better at what I do, how to better engage, how to write better, ask better questions and countless other things; all from my network.

What have you learned from your network?  Let me know by adding your comments!

If you are an active user of social media, you have seen the outpouring of love, Tweets, posts and money donated to the relief effort in Haiti.  As of the date of this post, Americans have donated over $377 million dollars towards Haitian relief.  The American Red Cross has received over $5 million with their text donation campaign.

Twitter is filled with Tweets about Haiti and how individuals can get involved in helping with donations.  I encourage all users of social media to use this medium responsibly in responding to the Haiti tragedy or in promoting other ways to help non-profits and charities.  Tweet and post about how to help or provide links to organizations and charities you know and can recommend.  Clogging the Twitter stream with feel good Tweets about such tragedies does not help and can be counter-productive.

Chris Messina has a great post on designing hashtags for emergency response.  Check out his post and be helpful by using social media responsibly in helping others.