Avoiding Social Media Burnout

My last few posts have dealt with engaging in Social Media. At first, it’s fun and exciting, then I began to notice it was becoming a bit of an afterthought rather than a priority.

So what happened? What was it that caused me to take my eyes off the prize?

After some thought and attention to how I was approaching the various forms of Social Media, I had an aha moment. Some clarity was gained in why it wasn’t as fulfilling or productive…

I was losing sight of the fact that we need to make REAL connections!

Think of the Social Media process as a phone conversation…

Would you rather get on the phone to make cold calls or to have a conversation with someone who you enjoy speaking to? (okay, that was a no-brainer question but you get the point)

The typical individual – myself included – sits down in front of the computer screen and amasses quantities of “friends” – otherwise known as “unknown entities with no distinguishable resonating features”.  We’re merely after the sheer volume of numbers.

Once again, that works well for a while, but then the thrill of acquisition begins to pale and we lose enthusiasm. You with me so far? …good.

Let’s switch up the situation just a bit.

Each morning we sit down in front of our computers and actually CONNECT with individuals. These are people with whom we share interests, perspectives or even recipes. We get to know them through affiliations, comments and responses.

And best of all, WE LIKE TALKING TO THEM! Big difference, and one which makes the effort of Social Media quite worthwhile.

That’s not to say that we need to spend an inordinate amount of time aimlessly chatting. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Approach your goal each day with clarity. It could be that on Mondays and Wednesdays, you take time to seek out new connections. But on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you take time to chat, leave comments on discussion boards, or send friendly emails.

Have fun with Social Media – rather than approach it as a chore. The best way to do that is to enjoy the connections, and create real, lasting friendships or business affiliations.

When “work” is fun, then it’s no longer work!

Hoppily,

CB