I never really understood the draw of social media. I thought it, all of it was a bit of a waste of time, a step in the wrong direction in terms of keeping the human connection alive and well, and I quite honestly didn’t want much to do with it. It was too mechanical, too far removed from reality and what I really valued – true human connection, the real bond, where one experiences another through the reciprocity of human emotion, exchange of language, facial and bodily expression, touch – only achievable through face-to-face and in-person interaction. I frankly love looking into people’s eyes when they tell me about anything that means something to them. That human connection can feel so far removed and somewhat void when I participate online on social media platforms. That being said, I understand that participating in social media has great advantages, even for a reluctant user such as I! So, I tipped my toes into it ever so gently, and found a whole new world of discovery and wonder – one that would not have been so easily obtained traditionally. Social media has been fueled by the human impulse and the need to communicate and connect with friends, colleagues, family, and like-minded people that are not so readily reachable or available for an in-person encounter. Social media platforms have provided an arena for individuals and businesses to exponentially grow their personal and professional circles.
Social media is a great platform for becoming known. Although I feel I may not achieve the human connection I seek, I can reach and build a greater audience much quicker than I would have in the traditional fashion of networking and paying my dues. This has been a game changer for businesses abound. Social media may not build the closest friendships right away, but it can open doors for personal and professional opportunities that can lead to strong personal and professional relationships. But will tweeting funny tweets on Twitter, posting pictures of your cat and dog, or fabulous family vacation on Facebook, or posting a random article on LinkedIn be the right game plan for opening those doors for those much-desired opportunities? With all things related to building relationships, businesses, and a future worth living, there comes a need for strategy. The strategy for becoming known on social media entails perseverance, determination, and patience! Where have you heard that before? Tribute to Perseverance. It also entails finding the right place, and space, producing consistent content, and creating an actionable audience.
The book Known, by Mark W. Schaefer, states that, “ordinary people can become extraordinary in the virtual space where personality and authenticity exponentially grow your followings…” and this, in turn, can help you become known. Schaefer lays out four steps to becoming known. Find your place – being known for something, your sustainable interest, the one thing that you want to do for the rest of your life without monetary considerations. Find your space – occupying a large enough space to make a difference, and an under-occupied niche with enough people to matter, looking for your blue ocean and a “hit ‘em where they ain’t” strategy. Find your fuel (content) – content is the fuel that makes it all happen. Make the time to consistently create and post fun, helpful, and educational content interesting to your audience and expertise related to your industry. Post almost every day. Create an actionable audience – your network is your net worth. Content is the fuel that builds the fire -your audience. To build your audience, produce quality, unique, and consistent content that is related to your industry or brand.
“Overwhelm the world with your irrefutable awesomeness.”
You can attract people with passive connections through SEO, social media, and bloggers or with active connections through engagement, networking, and influencers. Build an emotional connection by acknowledgment, vulnerability, authenticity, and honesty. Schaefer notes that the biggest boost to growing awareness about you and your personal authority about your subject matter is to write a book. You will most likely not make a lot of money but the publicity you will receive from doing so will open up doors for future opportunities!
Since the recent inception of my social media journey, I have followed Schaefer’s recommendations to the tee and found that his strategy has provided successful results thus far. I have to admit that Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have been instrumental in growing my audience, but I have discovered that my heart lies with blogging. Blogging is where I do find some semblance of human connection. It is through the written word that I find the warmth of a digital embrace. These blogs, which I have been so fortunate to have found and read, invited me into the minds and hearts of the writer, their art, photography, travels, life’s evolution, and retrogressions, pain, love, joy, and sorrow.
Follow me here or on Twitter @NancyMuesDesign or let’s connect on Linkedin or Facebook! Share your thoughts or your own experiences here in the comment section.
And remember, express yourself in any way that brings you joy and relief and share it with the world. You don’t owe it to anyone but yourself. Stay happy, healthy, safe, and happy graphics, my friend.
Graphic Design (verb): the ultimate trust enhancers, content simplifiers and organizers, efficient and effective information communicators, emotion evokers, and cognition captivators.
Nancy Mues 