Social Media, Choose a Platform!

Some say being connected is the only way to remain relevant; they may be right!

The age of Social Media has inserted itself in to our lives to the point of distraction. I constantly have conversations with people who are spinning their wheels trying to figure out how to incorporate every platform.

While it is important to be connected, it is equally important to choose a site wisely or you will be stuck making half-hearted attempts that do nothing more than waste your time and frustrate you.

Following are a few ways to organize the new reality:

Choose ONE Platform and start:
Don't feel as if you need a presence on every single social site. Pick one and be present within it. Get involved, blog, share relevant news, updates, important business details and sprinkle a bit about yourself along the way.

Engage and then disengage:
It is very easy to get STUCK in the Social Media world, so much to read, news articles, interesting facts, changes in life, late breaking news and so on. Schedule a time for your interaction (10, 15, 30 minutes whatever works for you) and then move on.

Explore and Expand:
Once you have yourself set-up and working in one platform and are using it regularly, look at ways to increase your footprint. Many sites have cross-posting available and you only need to post in one location (yes, you heard that right...but, give yourself time to be great on one platform first).

No Intimidation:
Follow Nike's advice and "Just Do It". Don't get frustrated, don't fear, take easy steps, add a few friends, comment on an article, read about your industry, create a blog post....enjoy the moment you have set-aside and just be yourself.

I have been fortunate to be an early adapter, I love everything about these programs, platforms, connections and look forward to hearing how other people have learned to leap instead of lurk (that is what we call those of you who simply refuse to engage...ha).