Why do you post on Facebook? Why do you tweet on Twitter? Why do you make any moves on any public formats? Seriously, I’m curious. Why? I post and tweet for my clients to help build awareness around what they offer the community, to help tell their many stories – hoping that more people find ways to connect and relate to these clients the more they know about them. But when it comes to posting or tweeting about myself or my own business …I will be the first to admit that I sometimes post/tweet because I feel like I should. In the game of social media and marketing, there are times that I’ll post or tweet or even blog because the question will unconsciously cross my mind that ‘everyone else is …so shouldn’t I?’
I watched this video blog this morning by Jay Smooth and laughed outloud (to myself) at his line: “…oh god, I need a provocative, gawker-style opinion by 2pm or I’m toast” …hmmm, I can relate but I honestly hate working from this mentality because it’s not real. I grow tired of the race, of the unspoken competition to be noticed first, of the bullshit that fills our world.
I absolutely believe that each of us has a unique gift …but it takes some serious pause and listening to find it. So in my quest to work from a standpoint of authenticity (sorry to use a tired word), I’m watching my motives and policing myself to pause before posting because I have a feeling that I will survive to see another day, if I don’t post or tweet or blog right NOW. In the pause, my motive tells me whether that post/tweet/blog is legit or based on my public perception of what I ‘should’ be doing.
I once took a week or so in college and paid strict attention to my motives, only moving forward when it was clear that my motives were pure and facing me in the right direction. I ate some humble pie that week. I didn’t take the long way around campus when going from one class to another, in hopes of walking past the cute boy of the month …and guess what …I made it to class on time! I didn’t eat food that I didn’t really want only because it was in front of me …and guess what …I never felt uncomfortably full that week. I woke up early for a run before class and guess what …I was more awake throughout the whole day, instead of slow and lethargic. Amazed and fascinated at how different that week looked from many others, I shall forever remember that practice.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t post, tweet or blog – I’m saying check your motives, prior to posting, tweeting or blogging. So I ask you – why do you do the things that you do? I’m still curious …
Join me on:
