Does this sound familiar to you: I don't know where all the time went to because I was having so much fun networking. Or will you admit that you spend more time social networking than you do on actually planning your business future? I will admit that I've been addicted to social networking and it was getting in the way of me growing my business.
Don't get me wrong, I do believe in regularly participating in social networking because it does help you grow your business. However, if it takes over you life and controls you instead of you controlling it then stepping back and taking a look at your social networking activities is very important. So much so, I'm sure that you will agree with the following checklist that I'm now using regarding my social networking activities.
- Am I participating in social networking with a purpose in mind?
- Do I give to others when social networking (i.e., paying it forward or helping others without expecting anything in return)?
- Have I given out to much of my business knowledge so that I am not gaining new clients?
- Do I have a set-aside time for when I participate in social networking?
- Am I “me-centered” when participating in social networking (i.e., is everything about me)?
- Do I have a plan in mind about incorporating social networking into my business growth?
There are many more questions that you could ask yourself regarding social networking but the most important thing you need to keep in mind is make sure that you keep a balanced schedule. It has really helped me during my business makeover to know when I would be heavily participating in social networking during the each day. Having a social networking plan in place for you business is not only important but necessary.
Do you have any other ideas regarding the participation in social networking that you would like to share? Please feel free to leave a comment so that other can learn from your knowledge and you can pay it forward to them also.
Kim!
I totally agree with participation in the social networking sites being addictive! I find myself needing to step back and take what I lovingly refer to as a “Twitcation” and “FaceBook Respite” and concentrate on my work. Often when I do, I notice I have the sense that “I’m missing something”. Such intense social interacting, as in Twitter, does tend to have the ability to take one over, or at least take me over.
I love the energy generated by interacting in social networking sites, however it does take the time away from money generating projects where my time would be better spent.
So there is always that sense of needing to find a balance. I currently have a commitment to take one full Twitcation day per week.
I think I have a good balance of interaction in a social way and remembering to share my products and services. I also have a complimentary product session which I offer freely to my social network friends.
I look to focus on paying it forward and when I do I am am rewarded in like kind.
I completely enjoyed this post!
In Appreciation and Joy!
Amy
http://MoneyReikiHealing.info (free healing offer!)
Excellent points Kim! When I first started using Twitter, I was trying to get a handle on exactly *how* people used it. I found that some just popped in when they wanted to advertise, but many “regulars” demonstrate more of a balance between marketing themselves and giving generously to others in business. I like how you addressed not just giving too much time to social networking, but recognizing its worth and finding the balance by working it into a business plan. (Easier said than done for me, honestly, which is why I need someone to manage my schedule.) In a nutshell though, what I’ve noticed is that social networking is a boon to my business. Finding that balance is critical, but Web 2.0 certainly has benefitted many of us who use the tools, hasn’t it?
Oh my gosh – I have definitely caught myself having too much fun with social networking! I schedule time for it, and am usually pretty good at sticking to that schedule. But there are times when I get sucked in… there’s a good conversation going on, or I’m connecting with someone new.
It’s definitely a balance. And I love how you talk about giving too much away – there is a balance needed there as well.
Jenn Givlers last blog post..Carnival of Healing is Coming!
Another point, remember when contacting others about whether they can use your services or not, do it privately and not publicly. You don’t want to give away a potential client to someone else when it was your idea in the first place that they needed your services. 🙂
Kim,
Another great post! I enjoy social networking and sometimes I do find myself going “overboard”. However, I really try and combat that by setting a schedule for myself for my social networking. And this is something that I help my clients with as well. Because I do feel that social networking and creating and developing those connections are important. It is about scheduling the time and sticking to the time frame.
I especially enjoyed your point about expressing the value and giving to others. Bringing value to your social networking is important.
Also, the point about social networking being a piece of the puzzle for your business—not the only thing to your business for growth.
Such great stuff you bring Kim!
In Appreciation,
Teresa Morrow
This is a great post. I use twitter mainly and I’ve found it to be very helpful in gaining personal knowledge for myself as well as gaining new clients. I do schedule time for my networking, i.e. myspace, facebook and the like, but I like popping in and out of Twitter just to keep up with the conversations!