Last week, at the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting, I was fortunate to hear a speech given by Katherine Thompson, of the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA Alliance). She discussed the importance of education and action regarding cyber security, as well as potential breaches of personal privacy.
During the Christmas holidays I found many conversations lent themselves to discussing social media, specifically Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter; further, what I noticed about these conversations was they consistently had a negative undertone.
Bemoaned comments like:
“Geeze! Jane* posts 20 times a day! Does she have nothing better to do?”
“Goodness! I get 30 notifications a day. I can’t keep up.”
“Ugh! Sandy wants to connect with me, but I don’t even know who she is!”
If social media causes so much stress, why do we maintain Facebook profiles, tweet on Twitter, and connect on LinkedIn?
That’s easy. To be connected. To stay in touch. To view photos. To be informed. To stay hip.**
But with the desire to remain connected, we’ve managed to stress ourselves out. Too many posts to read. Too many emails. Too many retweets. Too many notifications. Too many tweets. Too many invitations to connect. Too. Much.
With the mindset of providing practical tools to help simplify social media, I have compiled a list of my personal “Top 5 Ways to Simplify Social Media.”
If I had a dollar for every time someone complained about Facebook to me, I would be a very rich woman. As you know, Facebook is a massive social media platform with many intricate tools. Because there are so many moving parts, users can quickly become overwhelmed.
Facebook has changed the definition of friendship. Webster’s Dictionary defines friend as… a person who you like and enjoy being with, as well as a person who helps or supports someone or something.
If you see a “Facebook friend” in the grocery store would you a) stop for a conversation, b) politely nod, or c) pretend you don’t see him/her and hide behind the cereal display. If you answered b or c, I would suggest “unfriending” that individual.
Firstly, it is OKAY to “unfriend” someone on Facebook, more so if that person causes you undue stress through excessive posting, sharing, or game requests.
Secondly, that person DOES NOT receive a notification that you have unfriended them.
To unfriend someone, visit their profile, and click “unfriend” – that’s it. I recommend going through your entire friend list and unfriend anyone who is causing you stress and cluttering your life.
If unfriending is a bit harsh for you, then I would suggest “unfollowing” that person, which means you remain friends but stop receiving updates in their newsfeed.
Newsfeed is the first screen you see when you log into Facebook. It is a customized feed of posts from your friends, Pages you follow, and advertisements. Recently, however, Newsfeed has been cluttered with friend’s actions (e.g. Derek ‘Liked’ this; Wil commented on this) rather than actual posts from friends or Pages. “This” content is not necessarily related to the user because it is comprised of actions from your friend’s friends. (Follow that?) Meaning: You may be seeing a lot of content that has nothing to do with you or your direct friends.
To reduce clutter you can hide posts from your friend’s friends. Hover on the post, and click the small grey arrow in the top right corner. Click “Hide.” You will no longer receive posts in your Newsfeed from people you don’t know. You will have to do this action a lot at the beginning, but will eventually settle.
Personally, Twitter is my favourite social media platform. I love the ease of use, and simple design. That said, many people become overwhelmed by Twitter due to the amount and speed of content, use of the pound symbol, and curious looking links.
A retweet is a tweet that you forward to your followers. A participant in a workshop equated it to “an email forward.” The one-click RT is both a blessing and curse, it is easy to share information, but some people abuse this by RTing too much content. If you enjoy following someone because of their original tweets, but dislike all their RTs, you can turn-off their RTs.
To turn off retweets from a specific user, visit their profile, click the cog, and then click “Turn off Retweets.” You will continue to receive all native tweets, but no second party tweets from that specific user.
Within Twitter users have the ability to create lists of users, which can be public (visible to anyone) or private (visible only to you). You can add any user to one or more lists, and DO NOT have to follow that user. Meaning: You can create a list on a certain topic (e.g. news, athletes, clients) and do not have to have these users clutter your main Newsfeed. Think of it as “Twitter on Demand” for specific and customized topics.
To add someone to a list, visit their profile, click the cog, and click “Add to List.” If you currently do not have a list, click “Create New List”. Check the box, then start adding people to your list!
Lists are a great way to stay informed about specific topics on-demand, rather than these topics cluttering your newsfeed.
As the senior-citizen of social media platforms (It launched 1 year before Facebook), LinkedIn is working to redefine itself as a social media site for professionals, and students. Its membership growth is currently 2 new members per SECOND! Speaking of which…
Have you ever received an “Invitation to Connect” from someone you didn’t know? I am going to assume, YES. Invitations from strangers are a common concern among LinkedIn users. Your next step, however, is up to your personal preference.
Firstly, I only recommend connecting with people you know. This is for your personal privacy, as well as to maintain the legitimacy of your ‘professional network.’ It is better to have a solid network of 150 people, than 1500 who stress you out, and continually SPAM you with inMail. In addition, more often that you think, people will say to me: “Hey, I saw on LinkedIn you know John Smith too! How do you know him?” What would you say if you didn’t know the person?
If you choose not to connect with someone you can choose one of two actions: a) click ignore request, or b) do nothing. By choosing ‘b’ you leave the opportunity open in the event you eventually meet this person – making it easier to connect. This is the option that I choose, as I never know when I will meet someone IRL (in real life).
While there are many other tips to simplify social media, I hope you enjoyed hearing my “Top 5 Ways to Simplify Social Media.”
Do you have your own suggestions? Share below!
*Names have been changed.
**I can’t take credit for this comment, as it was made in a workshop I hosted in 2013.
This year my husband and I participated in the Frontenac Challenge in Frontenac Park. The Frontenac Challenge encourages hikers to hike each of the 11 loops during months of September and October. The Challenge was originally suggested by Park Superintendent Lloyd Chapman in 1993 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ontario Provincial Park System. (via Friends of Frontenac Park)
The hikes allowed me time to reflect on how they mirror running a small business. Here are my observations.
In 2009 a colleague of mine introduced me to the Frontenac Challenge. At the time, among other things, she volunteered her time to help manage the Friends of Frontenac Park Facebook Page. She spoke highly of the challenge and shared her veteran tips.
Having always enjoyed the casual hike as a means to disconnect, rejuvenate, and exercise, I made it a goal to one day complete the challenge. So that year, and every year that followed, I had aspirations to complete the challenge, but personal and work commitments always prevented me.
This year for my birthday, my husband bought an Ontario Parks pass and said: “This year we’re going to complete the challenge.” The ongoing desire to complete the Frontenac Challenge eventually led to its completion.
In business, it is important to look to the future and set goals. Whether it is earning a comfortable income, growing your business to 50 employees, or going international, a desire to achieve that goal will drive the ultimate success of your business.
To complete the Frontenac Challenge it is required to hike all 11 original park loops within September and October. The trails in Frontenac Park range in length from 1.5km to 27km, and from easy to difficult terrain.
This year we had a remarkable autumn with sunny skies and above average temperatures, which made hiking easy and enjoyable. One day, however, we were faced with rain, lots of rain. Despite being well-prepared, within minutes of starting the 14km hike I was drenched.
That said, once the hike was complete I felt an extreme sense of accomplishment. Despite the less than desirable conditions, I was about to push through and complete what I had set out to do.
In business, you will always be challenged, whether it is clients, customers, market conditions, or personal situations. It takes commitment and perseverance to push through these situations to grow, prosper, and achieve your goals.
Completing the Frontenac Challenge would not have been possible without my personal cheerleader and husband. He put the wheels in motion when he purchased the annual park pass, but then followed it up with the commitment to complete the challenge with me, every step of the way.
When I fell down, he was there to help me up. When I was tired, he encouraged me to keep going. He provided me the support, laughter, and pointed me in the right direction (literally), when I needed it most.
In business, you need to create a positive and supportive network – be it comprised of personal or professional associates. This network will provide you with a solid foundation from which to build and grow your business, as they will provide guidance and encouragement, and encourage you to push through.
Overall, the Frontenac Challenge was an excellent learning opportunity, as well as a great opportunity to experience the beauty of autumn!
A few weeks ago, my husband learned one of his favourite professors at Brock University had passed away. This particular professor was an ongoing inspiration to my husband and upon his passing, he wrote a short, heartfelt blog about the professor’s impact.
This struck me. What would the conversation had been like if this conversation was face-to-face, or even if the professor had been able to read my husband’s blog.
I wanted to dedicate this blog a professor who was an inspiration to me: Marilyn Cottrell (aka Econ Diva).
Background
In 2003, despite my keen interest in business and economics, I applied to universities that offered Child and Youth Studies. Eventually settling on Brock University’s Child and Youth Con-Ed program, I was faced with the opportunity to select two electives. Like any good nerd, I chose Canadian History with Donald Wright (also an amazing professor), and micro and macro economics. Having taken OAC economics in high school, I felt prepared for these courses.
First Year Microeconomics
When creating my university schedule, I chose a Wednesday lecture from 19:00-21:00. That’s right. Three hours of microeconomics on a Wednesday evening. The professor was a stereotypical professor – quirky, intelligent, with a side of dry humour.
The following day was my tutorial, a small class-like setting in which a teacher’s assistant (TA) would review material discussed, as well as deliver assignments, quizzes, and exams. Marilyn was different. She was energetic, funny, and enthusiastic about the otherwise dry, topic of economics.
Within a short period of time, I found myself writing my first university midterm, which was comprised of 50 multiple choice questions. When the midterms were returned in our tutorial, Marilyn smiled as she returned the majority of the exams. When it came time to retrieve my exam – she had a disappointed look upon her face. I got 55%.
Terrified that I had jeopardized my entire university career, I learned how study properly, as well as implement techniques to master multiple choice exams. When I received the second midterm back, Marilyn had a smile upon her face. I got 96%.
By this point, I had made the decision to change majors from Child and Youth Studies to a BA in Business and Economics.
Macroeconomics
Because economics was not a full credit, the second course was macroeconomics. Having signed-up for another 3-hour lecture, I was surprised to learn that my previous TA Marilyn, was a professor. She was energetic, enthusiastic, and many times, used props to engage students. Throughout the semester I went to visit her to chat about economics and clarify anything I didn’t understand. She was always willing to help. She cared about her job and her students. She also inspired others to be their best, and encouraged students to succeed.
Second Year University, First Year Business & Economics
By the following September, Marilyn, my formerly disappointed TA, had hired me to proctor midterms and exams for the economics faculties. At the end of my second year, I was hired as a Research Assistant for another professor in the economics department.
Life as a Teaching Assistant
In my third year, Marilyn hired me as a teaching assistant (TA) for three sections within the economics department. Terrified, nervous, and questioning what I had gotten myself into, I went to my first tutorial. I loved it. I couldn’t get enough of teaching, watching students learn, and the “AH HA!” moment. I was hooked.
I was a TA from 2005-2009, teaching as many as three tutorial a semester: fall, winter, and summer. I loved the concept of teaching, and thinking of better ways to explain concepts, theories, and formulas to students. I had students transferring into my tutorial (which was a huge compliment), as well as asking to be in my tutorial. I still keep in touch with many of my former students.
One semester I was tasked with teaching two evening tutorials. The class demographics were different than I was used to, as it was filled with people who were twice my age, and held full-time jobs like, ‘financial advisor,’ ‘real estate agent, and ‘mortgage broker.’
This was my “AH HA!” moment. At the tender age of 21, I realized that education does not end with a degree. Adults will continue to seek learning and education, for either professional or personal reasons. This idea has become a huge part of my life, as someone who provides training to adults.
Thank you Marilyn for having faith in me 10 years ago to become a teaching assistant. Thank you for giving me a chance to teach – allowing me to discover my true passion.
After operating my business, Jennifer Baker Consulting: Simplifying Social Media, for four years, I inevitably still have friends, family and colleagues asking: “What would you say you do?”
While many people may have the impression that I “play on Facebook all day,” there is more to my job than meets the eye.
First, and foremost, on a daily basis I correspond via phone, email, Facebook chat, and text message with my clients. On average I have ten clients to whom I provide social media account management services. These clients hire me to manage their company’s image on social media, create and distribute e-newsletters, purchase advertising on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, create social media-ready graphics and images, provide guidance towards their online marketing strategies, as well as provide reports and analytics on their progress.
My clients are my priority. Since all emails and social media notifications come to my phone, I am able to respond quickly and efficiently to any questions or problems they may be experiencing. Moreover, since I am a sole proprietor I always provide advance notice to my clients when I will be out of the office or on vacation.
As my husband can attest, I talk a lot about my clients, including updates about their company, events, and sales. I love having the opportunity to work with such a diverse client-base that provides great products and services within Ontario.
How do you know you have achieved your goal if you never set one?
When taking on a new account management client, the first step is to develop a simple strategy, answering the questions: “what does the client want to achieve?” followed by “what are the steps to achieve that goal?” Before getting started with a client I must understand the client’s existing marketing strategy: “what marketing tactics do they employ?” and “are these tactics working?” Social media is not a standalone silo – rather it is integrated across a company’s marketing, human resources, and customer service departments.
Perhaps it’s my a-type personality, but I am all about brand consistency! When JBC was in its infancy I was always told: “Your company is everywhere! I see your logo/name/face all over the place.”
Do you know why? Because I only use the bright green logo, with Arial font, and one professional photo for everything – website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Vine, Google+, print collateral… even my pens are bright green with Arial font! While my brand strategy is simple, it is seemingly effective.
I do the same thing for my clients. I ensure that their company’s brand is consistent across online mediums including social media, e-newsletters, websites, and anywhere online. When I find something that’s not consistent I will bring it to their attention, and we will take steps from there to find a solution.
Social media management is not just about scheduling and posting updates to Facebook and Twitter. If that was the case we could just go back to using a fax machine for all of our communication and marketing needs. Social media should not be one-sided. Social media is meant to be social!
Companies should be listening to what people are saying about their company and responding. When I say ‘respond’ I don’t mean boiler-plate responses like: “Thank you for your inquiry. Someone will be in touch shortly.” I mean responses like they are being written by a human, by someone with a brain, pulse, and personality. This is called ‘social listening.’
Social listening can be done through social media management platforms like Hootsuite by setting up search queries related to your company. Users can set-up a search query that finds social media messages that include common misspellings of your company name (Think autocorrect!). Social media users may think they’ve correctly tagged your company in a post, and may get angry when they don’t get a response – even if they’ve incorrectly tagged you! This is why social listening is important.
Social listening will take time, but it sure is fun to hear what people have to say about you!
Being responsible for 20+ social media platforms, I am responsible for reading and responding to a lot of customer questions, comments, and complaints. There are some days I think: “Why are people so angry?” Here are the three types of people I deal with on a daily basis:
Happy: These posts characteristically come with smiley-face emojis. J Positive, happy comments are wonderful! I love responding and interacting with these social media users.
Unhappy, but polite: These users had a negative experience, are upset, but polite. These users are also easy to respond to and rational. When finding a solution to the problem, they accept suggestions with grace.
Unhappy, but angry: These users had a negative experience, are rude and irrational. These users do no respond well to suggestions and are typically demanding and use vulgar language. When solutions are offered, they quickly respond with threats, like “I will never shop here again” or “I will tell everyone how terrible you are!” Despite our best efforts, unfortunately sometimes there is nothing you can say to please these types of individuals.
Yes. Lucky me! I get to “play” on social media all day.
Not quite, folks.
When I do get time to “play” on social media platforms, I am actually poking around to self-educate myself on recent updates and changes, reading FAQs, and updating my social media skill-set. The more I know the better service I can provide for my clients. Social media is an industry in which life-long learning is critical!
While I do spend a lot of time on Facebook, there’s more to my job than meets the eye. There’s a significant amount of work that is completed offline so that when information is presented online, it is effective!
