The other day I decided to participate in a #TwitterChat that I had been wanting to participate in for awhile now, but never made the time.
Overall, it was great and I made several new online connections but there was one thing I didn’t get.
There were a few folks totally pooh-poohing Facebook for anything other than staying in contact with their family and close friends saying that it just didn’t make sense and they didn’t see any benefit.
Well, I tried to share my love of Facebook to them, but was totally disregarded. Probably because of the fact that it was my first time attending this particular chat. Surely it couldn’t be that I didn’t know what the heck I was talking about, but who knows.
Many still don’t see the value in using Facebook for anything other than sharing pics and status updates with their family and friends. They actually don’t see the use in having a Facebook business page (which, I still have my doubts about and the jury is still out there on that one). But I do get the value of engaging on Facebook with your peers and the possibility of gaining valuable friendships with potential clients.
When I started on this journey of social media, I started of course with Linked In, then Twitter, while starting two blogs. I then of course went to Google+, Pinterest and Instagram, like the rest of ya’s. I started engaging (that’s key) with those whom I wished to connect, those who held influence in my industry, those of my peers and those who created outstanding content.
I then started taking those relationships over to Facebook, connecting with them there (slowly but steadily) and taking those relationships to a whole.other.level. Each platform has its own feel and allows for different strokes for different folks and has its own personality, so to speak.
Facebook appears to be one of those platforms that allow you to share more personal updates, funny stories, family photos, to create everyday engagement that can’t be done in 140 characters. And it’s like any other platform, it’s not suppose to be about you cramming your wares down someone’s throat, it’s about building valuable connections, whether you sell anything or not.
Since I have taken my circle of trust connections over yonder to Facebook, I’ve created an awesome community that pretty much stays in touch daily, even if it is to hear about someone’s kid going to school and them having a melt down because of it. I can dig that. I admit, I’m a Facebook junkie and I’m on there constantly. Just ask my friends.
And when we all get together IRL (in real life) it’s as if we haven’t missed a beat!
So what’s your social media drug (platform) of choice?
Photo Credit: Let’sNotNSayWeDid
I use FB, Twitter and LinkedIn. I’ve made connections on all of them – many of them being very valuable. Like you said, the important thing is to engage people on these platforms – that is where the value is derived. And each platform has their own way of engaging individuals and should be used accordingly. I still have some major questions though on FB – especially those who use it for recruiting.
Well that sounds like a whole topic for #Recruiters on a Twitter Chat, no? Thanks Travis. I agree.
Susan,
My favorite part of social media is connecting with other people through blogs. I also enjoy Twitter, though I haven’t been using it as much lately. I’ve been on and off Facebook a couple of times in the last few years. I’m not on right now. And while I have a LinkedIn account, I don’t use it much.
My general approach to social media is to focus on the parts of it that I enjoy. I think it’s very difficult (at least it is for me) to be involved in all of the main social media platforms. I typically only like to do something if I can do it well. And I’ve found that I’m personally better off focusing on 1-2 platforms rather than trying to get involved with 6-7 or more or them.
But I think people should do what works for them. I think the big issue is to be involved in social media in some way. I know I’d be really missing out if I weren’t.
Thanks Greg. I think you are correct in saying that you want to do the best when you start something or you don’t do it at all. And that people shouldn’t try to be on all platforms, that is a time waster and just doesn’t work. Taking one or two and doing them right is a much better approach. Thanks for stopping by.
I am on Twitter FB and Linked in. I strategically use each one. My Facebook is more personal yet I do make some of my posts public. My twitter is connected to Facebook. I connect with people on different levels in different areas. I am playing with Pintrest. It is a time waster to learn them all at once. #recruiters FB for recruiters. I have heard alot about that. I have a bunch to say about. I just have to say. BE Careful of what you put on your Facebook.
Lara, it’s okay to be where it’s most beneficial, right? You get that, it appears. Yes, people should be careful what they post on any platform. There are eyes everywhere and one should never post anything they didn’t want folks to know about. Just use smarts, right?