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This revolution is like flying cars… well, at least for modern communications. Ignoring the fact that flying cars haven’t hit the market while social media has, it’s still a nifty concept, making email and instant messaging a thing of the past as much as ’80s blockbusters, aluminum-mounted jumper suits and clay aliens.
Just imagine, when people of the mid to late 20th century wondered about air vehicles, they might have seen flying cars as the solution to traffic jams rather than recognize the twisted metal disaster waiting to happen right over people’s heads.
The same goes for all the tweets, likes, pluses, clicks, beeps, burps, etc. Presumably, everyone will (or, at least, should) know how and why to use a tool that allows a single message to be broadcast. with the # symbol. Besides not only a lack of necessary social skills, the problem with social media is thankfully not in those who use it and “crash” one another in the virtual skies, but in that many don’t know how to operate their own vehicles. to start, let alone know where to go. For those who may be stuck in the virtual stream, let’s evaluate some of the underlying motives that may have brought you there.
Wrong Round 1 – “I need to make [social platform of choice] so I can go out on my own.
Think of it this way, as Stephen Covey says in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:
“Seek first to understand.”
Let’s be honest here: social media is meant to be a two-way street. If we’re all standing on our own pedestals, blowing our own horns, having our birthdays super merry for all to see, then it’s time to remove “social” completely from the equation.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our heads. It’s so tempting to get lured by the number of hits or views or followers on a list. The point is about authenticity. This boils down to the fact that social media underscores the desire for real human connection. So for both new users and newbies just getting to know it, keep interaction as the number one priority.
Wrong Round 2 – “I don’t know what I’m going to talk about.”
Think of it this way, as Marie Forleo likes to say:
“Clarity comes through engagement, not thinking.”
Ironically, social media is an idea-healing utopia that will provide relief for even the worst cases of writer’s block. If you allow yourself to read a few blog articles or casually peruse Pinterest for even just a few minutes, inspiration will really come to you. It will meet you where you are. The beauty of new ideas is that they give birth to new ideas. Interacting triggers the creative process. Here’s the even better news, which is that you don’t even have to do anything. Take time for it and find out. Your inspiration is just a click away.
Wrong Round 3 – “I need social media to find new customers and increase sales.”
Think of it this way:
Your passion is the horse. Money is the cart. Don’t put-it well, you know the rest.
Alyssa Clarke made a good point in a previous article about how Facebook shouldn’t be a one-stop shop for promoting businesses. Truly, any form of online social interaction is a means of strengthening brand recognition and customer loyalty and exemplifying good customer service. While there’s certainly a time and place for self-promotion where the horn can be honked to its heart’s content, priority number one still applies when it comes to building connections in the Facebook community.
Wrong Round 4 – “I have to be and be present EVERYWHERE.”
If you find yourself stuck on this wrong turn, here are some final thoughts:
Keep it very simple.
When hearing something like ‘I don’t understand. What’s the point of tweeting?’ Twitter evangelists tend to flap their arms up and down and pound their chests for their catchy 140 character nuggets of goodness.
After all, Twitter is a giant in cyberspace. Contrary to popular belief, however, not all social platforms are right for everyone. Why is that? Yes, each platform reflects a certain type of personality profile, preferences, market and goals. Not everyone who uses Facebook uses LinkedIn, at least for the same reasons. Conversely, not everyone on LinkedIn will use Google+ for the same types of networks.
We’ve all committed a traffic violation or two, both figuratively and literally. it happens. However, when you find yourself at a dead end, don’t worry. Just backing up and re-evaluating. Every adept entrepreneur, every budding thought leader, every job seeker, and every individual who struggles with social naivety all have a knack for success as long as they are able and willing to pause and observe the process. Thinking about what worked and what didn’t, what worked and what was a complete waste of time–this is just the beginning of what it takes to get back on track from an unpleasant situation.
Now, it’s your turn (pun intended). What’s your hang up on social media? It goes without saying that there came a point when you first joined what is now your favorite networking site. What did you like at that time? How about now? Share in the comments below!
