I have a confession to make. For some time, I suffered a terrible affliction. I was an anti-social media user. You may know the type, or perhaps you have suffered the same affliction. I was the type of person who joins sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and others “ enthusiastic about the possibilities of meeting new people, connecting with like minds and just having good old conversation. However, instead of connecting with my newfound social media friends and followers, I found myself staring at my computer screen while my cursor continued to blink urging me to write something interesting, resourceful or simply connect with my social media counterparts. Rendered speechless, my very first tweet on Twitter was probably something like: About to read a book. I know, how profound. For days I was stuck on what to say, wondering why anyone would care about what I had to say, anyway.
So, I let Twitter and Facebook sit. Logged in sporadically to send a status update or tweet about something I was reading or working on, but never making any real attempt to talk with people. I was, by definition, an anti-social media user, someone who loved the idea of social media but just didn’t know what to say or more importantly, how to use it effectively. Rather than bore my friends and followers with ramblings that had no direction or insight, I decided to take a break from Twitter and Facebook.
As my social media accounts started to collect internet dust, I began to focus my attention on creating my very own podcast (an audio show which can be listened to online or on any type of MP3 device, such as an iPod). Soon my time was spent thinking about different topics to share with my show’s listeners, finding interesting and resourceful guests, interviewing said guests and having regular, down-to-earth conversations “ with people I didn’t even know. It was an exciting time, made even more exciting by the fact that people were actually listening to my thoughts and showing a genuine interest in what my guests had to say. I was truly connecting with my audience, all the while realizing that while my show’s content wasn’t for everybody, those that did enjoy it took an interest and had a grand time. Then it clicked.
I was participating in social media! Could it be true, had I really shed my anti-social media user ways? Why yes, it was true, and yes, I had. Podcasting is indeed a form of social media because of its very nature of sharing user-generated content with others and interacting with them too. And so with that in mind, I logged onto Twitter and started truly interacting with my followers, many of whom were already my friends and associates. We shared great resources with each other, had conversations and even joked around, as we continue to do to this day. I had dropped the fear and let my own personality shine through, and lo and behold, social media became fun!
The lesson I learned was this: Don’t be afraid to get involved and connect with people. If you make a true connection with people, they will be interested in what you have to say.
Some final thoughts from this former anti-social media user: be sincere, be gracious, but most of all, just be you.
About the author: Darlene Victoria Gonzalez is a multimedia specialist with a true knack and passion for podcasting. In 2009, her podcast, A Virtual Perception, was nominated for a PodCast Award for Best Business podcast. As owner of D. Victoria, Darlene guides small businesses through the multimedia process, including assistance with podcast, video and voice-over production, as well as web and blog design and maintenance.
Podcasting, as well as video marketing, is a great way to connect not only with an audience, but with clients and potential clients alike. Through her business and podcast, she hopes to bring this passion to the forefront for other entrepreneurs, showing them firsthand that they too can reap the benefits of these amazing web technologies. Connect with Darlene on Twitter @AVPpodcast or via her podcast at http://www.avirtualperception.com.
About The Author
Lisa Olinda is the principal of Olinda Services she is a talented administrative professional demonstrating a high degree of skill and a love for technology. This talent and love merged to create Olinda Services in 1996. With over 26 years of experience serving the corporate, non-profit and small business sectors, she has proved the success of this merger.
What People Are Saying About Lisa Olinda
- A person who thinks like the CEO, in other words, as if he or she owns the business and is accountable for ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- You are very responsive; everything is done in a timely manner
- You are an excellent worker, your work is outstanding...
- Barbara Annis Barbara Annis & Associates, Inc
- Anne Carter Aitken of Ecological Economic
- Lori Thomas of Insurance Administrators
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It's a subtle change, a nuance of understanding, isn't it – this thing called social media. You describe it very well, Darlene!
It's all about finding the right network and media method that works for you and your business.
I love Darleen and her podcasts (not to mention she is super sweet!) Darleen – it's fun to read how you found your “voice” for social media!
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