Good Noise or White Noise?

Like so many others in our marketplace, we are exposed to a significant amount of white noise bombarding us daily through, television, radio, social media, professional societies, small groups, associations, and churches. What's the newest advertisement, the next commercial and elevator pitch vying for our attention and wallet? So many articles, so many webcasts not enough days in the month for all of them. So where do we start?

Good question! In order for us to determine what information we expose ourselves to, one must first determine what is important in their personal and professional development. It is vital to determine what is important to us at a granular level and what is not important. Once we are able to define what those are, only then we are able to surround ourselves with subject matter experts and information sources that can help us to grow, learn and apply our core competencies to our valued customers and prospects.

Defining what is important to us is critical to reducing the white noise we are exposed to every day. So, evaluate your level of participation on social media as it is the number one time-waster of most American workers. So many people shouting, vying for attention and relevance. It could be time to literally reduce your Facebook friends to only your true "friends", rather than acquaintances determined to let you know what their political views are or what they ate the night before with pictures. Instagram is full of posers desiring to expose their alter ego, make money and show you how little your life means compared to theirs. Unless you're making a living on IG, quit it. Dating sites? You actually might try walking out your front door and introducing yourself to the people in your community or those you meet while traveling face to face. Share a conversation, shake their hand make a connection. Ask for an introduction from your friends you trust. Put some of your actual social skills to the test and show people who you really are, rather than on a page somewhere.

My favorite source for "good" noise is LinkedIn. They have excellent filters that expose you to only the information and people you want to know about, listen to, and network with. LinkedIn gives you access and exposure to content that allows you to focus on being your best self. You can create clarity by weeding through all the white noise and literally getting rid of it. Surround yourself with only the people and content that allow you to be your best self and address your primary interests. There is power in focus. A jack of all trades is a master of none. Everything else is just a waste of time, energy and effort...otherwise known as...white noise.