It seems that everyday there is a new social media network that you MUST join. Even on the social media sites that you already have a profile, there are new groups, discussions and projects that plead for your attention. Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that people are paralyzed and really don’t effectively engage in any one network or group. (Personally, I already feel stretched too thin between my own ‘core’ networks between my Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Ning, LinkedIn, MeetUp, YoungPRPros…. the list goes on.) So I put together a quick list for myself for Dos and Don’ts so that I focus on what is truly valuable and also make a valuable contribution:
1. Pick 2-3 platforms and commit. Don’t overextend your social networking butterfly tactics. If you can’t actively participate in discussions or have a significant presence (update/check in 2-3 times per week).
2. Decide if its entertainment, news or work. Since I am married and have 2 kids, and run my company, I don’t have much time for online entertainment. If you are a busy executive, you may feel the same. If you are monitoring a million sites and participating in too many social circles, you may never get beyond the superficial participation. Although I monitor the news for my clients (and I am a news hound by nature) I cut off the sites that don’t provide me with work-related value. It’s your call but if you are limited on time, focus on the social participation that will give you a return on your time investment.
3. Turn online into offline networks. If you are ‘socializing’ with folks online, try to turn them into offline relationships. (i.e. Following someone on Twitter does not make you friends.) It’s not enough to be a voyeur and it’s usually not enough to only communicate through the online medium. Business still takes place in the real world. Use your social networks to make offline, in-person introductions at meet ups, on the phone or conferences. (And, you can still ask people out to lunch.)
4. Measure up. Figure out what you want to achieve from your online engagements, and measure the value of your participation over time. If you are not getting what you need, you may want to disengage or you may want to up the ante on your participation.
Although there are people that live online, I have a pretty busy life in the real world (my two-year old does not text just yet!) If you are spending hours a day on social networks, it can enrich or disrupt that balance. Just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and not just because its the lastest trend. For most people I know, time is the most valuable asset they have, and I want to make sure that mine is well spent.
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