One of the things that slowed me down to opt into social media, sending a newsletter, blogging – yadda yadda yadda – was the sense of blather and overwhelm that seemed (to me at the time) to be adding to information overwhelm and clutter. I didn’t want to show up that way. My client audience is diverse, since I offer training, workshops, coaching and organizing services so I never really knew what to do about it. So, I did what any normal person would do…. NOTHING! I waited and waited and waited to “decide” about committing to a newsletter etc. Everyone in business told me to do one, but until that magic moment that I felt “ready” I didn’t do it.
The cost of this postponed decision was, more than four years of client-facing engagement, presentations, trade shows, client testimony, corporate engagements, workshops, college courses, business development seminars, and SUCCESS – LOST.
About this time last year the idea of “blogging” to me felt like “flogging” myself – it showed up as MORE TO DO….. It was also about this time last year that I decided to get more serious, and began the process of re-branding/vamping my company, site, target audience, offers (etc.)
My marketing consultant really helped me work through my basic offers – and then flesh out different ‘targets’ with each communication platform available. This whole process gave me a little more direction, helped me create a strategy and plan what I was putting out there and to whom. It’s given me a lot more clarity and freedom regarding what, when and how I communicate.
What I’ve found is that different people like to gain information in different ways. In my mind it goes something like this: Blogger’s Declare (and read), Twitter-er’s Spark (and click), Linked-In-ers Schmooze (and sometimes brag), Facebooker’s Chat (and creep), and Newsletter readers seem to have developed a sense of “relationship” with me- so they often write back, comment, send messages, and most importantly…REFER & BUY! So, I’ve come to realize that every platform has a place for different levels of interaction and communication styles. Each is a touch point opportunity for you to get to the people you would like to serve.
The BIGGEST challenge now is finding out how to get all of it done… But, now that I have a plan, I can delegate pieces to others more efficiently and effectively. Generally I use my blog to generate and record my ideas, thoughts and share other stuff that I think is great. Whenever a thought comes, I go in and “draft” a new post. I leave it in draft mode until I have time to write it all out. Even this very post sat as an IDEA in my site for awhile before it bloomed. This new process allows me to have content waiting here, ready to blossom.
To me Twitter is a “Hey–this is cool”, stream-of-consciousness opportunity.
My FB friends and I share the type of stuff I’d chatter about at a party, a gathering or whatever. I see my FB Page as a billboard/store front (sort of) for my business, and I like to use Linked-In to keep up with my corporate posse. My newsletter “Slice of Sanity” speaks to my tried-and-true tribe (thanks Seth Goddin for this reference term). And, all of it links back to my site (somehow miraculously) – if people want more… And that is where it all begins… Hmmm imagine that?
What was most important for me to do to hurdle the barrier of inaction was to clarify who I wanted to engage with, and then clarify the type of information they’d be interested in seeing. Once I figured that out, the actions I needed to take naturally followed.
What decisions are you putting off? Where do you need to decide and take action? Share it below… The simple action of writing it out is indeed action, and it helps shift you out of inaction!
Cena Block is the Founder of Sane Spaces, LLC is a Productivity Consulting firm that offers training, coaching, and motivational speaking to individuals and organizations. We help clients increase productivity and minimize wasted time by achieving clarity within their spaces, systems, selves and support. Clarity + Action = Results. Get unstuck by releasing the areas where you are blocked. Our clients are high performers who want to see dramatic results. We are committed to partnering with you to create a work environment and a life you love.
Cena is a NAPO National Member, the President of the NAPO-NNJ Chapter. For more information visit www(dot)sanespaces(dot)com
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