Social Media

Social Media can help a business or for an "addictive personality" it can put the kabash on what was starting out to be a productive day....okay, so maybe it is not a great beginning to a blog but so true in my life.

An article in Direct Sales Education Foundation last year called "How to Manage Your Time on Social Media" has some great tips for things to help you run an effective social media presence.  You can click the link to get the details but here are some of the tips in a nutshell:

1. Start from the results you want
2. Plan ahead
3. Go Mobile
4. Avoid spreading yourself too thin (You mean I can get thin by Facebooking or Tweeting?)
5. Stay focused

These are all great tips that I am sure work well for the average person.  I on the other hand can easily loose myself in Facebook reading everyone's comments, likes, etc.  So for the "addictive personality", here are some tips that I am trying to manage my time and become more productive while still incorporating social media into my business...

1. When I am in my office for "office hours" - I have a picture of a security camera that makes me think others are watching.  It helps me focus on work and tackling that to do list.  
2. I write my blog first thing in the AM, this way I don't get sided tracked.  Yes, blogging has become an every morning thing that I absolutely love.  Thank you Vanessa Coppes   
3. I am changing the "news feed" to the people and things that I want to hear about daily.  No, I don't want to hear about every meal or little detail of your life so I will check in with those people when I have time.  Less is sometimes better.
4. When I am ready to spend time on Facebook, I limit it to a certain about of time - usually AFTER I have finished my to do list.  This is how I stay focused.  

Yes, these are basic but sometimes I have to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid).  Social media has helped my business by helping me to build relationships with customers, friends and family across the country.  Sharing tips, new products and even blogging about my life (who would have thought some one would want to read about it) has helped to build those connections.

If you are not using social media in your business, you should for so many reasons.  Conquer the fear (for the techno challenged) and meet your customers where they are hanging out.  

Do you have any great tips for managing time on social media?  How do you use social media in your business?  I would love to share your comments with others.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!