Social Media Isn’t Sea Monkeys – It’s a Long Game

People in need of a quick fix to their business problems often expect [insert social media platform here] to produce instant results.

Social media is media (read: technology) used for social reasons (read: connections). Unfortunately, there’s no short-cut to that.

There is no “instant” in social media, only in oatmeal.

“Sea Monkeys – The amazing live, instant pets.”

I been known to exclaim, sometimes loudly, that Twitter isn’t Sea-Monkeys. In fact, it’s more like a salt-water fish tank with its complicated steps, wait time, three-week nitrogen cycles, bacteria, continual care and testing and that’s before you add your heavily-researched fish.

Your social networks are cultivated communities who respond in kind.

What kind of work is involved?

In no particular order, here are some things to consider.

• Post good content.
• Use correct grammar.
• Start conversations.
• Be nice.
• Be real.
• Build trust.
• Protect your honor.
• Be responsible.
• Be humble.
• Respond to others.
• Muster up courage.
• Tap into your passion.
• Use common sense.
• Have fun.
• Be consistent.
• Chase ideas.
• De-junk.
• Make introductions.

So you see, there is a lot involved. Put time in your schedule to handle this fragile ecosystem or outsource it. But remember, above all, social media is a commitment. It’s a long-game.

Love,

The Guru