Choosing Social Media Platforms

I have some really good news for you!  Do you remember when you were just a kid, and often when receiving a gift from a care taker you were told, “Go ahead, but take just one.”  Take just one?!

As a child, this use to kill me.  Even as an adult I can’t take just one of anything.  Cookie?  Why yes please!  May I have ten?

(Picture from She’s So Crafty Goods on Etsy)

The good news about social media platforms is that you don’t have to pick just one.  In fact, my recommendation is the exact opposite.  I recommend that you try a few out –not too many, but definitely a few, and especially the popular ones.  Give them a spin, like dating, and see which you prefer.  And because this isn’t a marriage, if a certain social media platform isn’t complementing your style, you’re not committed to it.  That being said, I also don’t recommend giving up on a specific social media application too soon. Let me explain.

Social media, like a shy person, sometimes take a few conversations to get to know.  Currently, I’m not completely acquainted with facebook.  We’re still getting to know one another.  I have a feeling that in the future we might become better friends.  On the other hand, and quite to my surprise, I adore twitter.  We hit it off right from the beginning.

When choosing social media platforms, my recommendations are this:

1. Get on board! Yes, it will take extra time out of your day, but the reality is that this is where we are and where we will continue to gather in greater numbers.  The goal of your business should be to get your products and/or services out there.  You need to go where the people are. And believe it or not, the “If you build it, they will come” motto doesn’t work on the internet.  The competition is fierce and even if you are stumbled upon, without a link to the “person” behind the product, or a recommendation from a friend, most likely people won’t buy from you.  Social media builds both a presence and a reputation, so get on board!
2. Use your technological devises. Smart phones, ipads, and other portable gadgets are great when it comes to creating a face online when you literally have just a minute here or a minute there.  I carry my iphone with me at all times and just chime in online when I can. It’s natural, enjoyable, and genuinely doesn’t seem like work.  Rather, it’s fun, like texting a friend.
3. Find a system. It has taken me a little while to find a system that works for me.  And honestly, I’m still tweaking this system, keeping both my personality and the needs of my company in mind.  My iphone apps are an example of one “system” that has helped my situation.  Since I’m also a stay at home mother, my twitter app allows me to “be present” online while I’m also at the park with my daughter.  It’s easy, quick, and over time has big results with little effort.  Another system that works well for me is that I participate in the social media scene during the day when my energy and productivity level is low.  I try to keep my most alert hours for more important tasks, which brings me to my last point.
4. Know when to turn it off! Another practice that I’ve put into place is that when my daughter goes down for her nap, all my electronic devises are OFF.  Instead, I use this time for more focused tasks like sewing and product development.  Social medial, just like dating, shouldn’t take up all of your time. Those type of relationships just aren’t healthy.

What’s my recommendation?  Just try it! Start “dating” and over time you’ll know what’s right, the good news being that you don’t have to pick just one.