Have you ever really thought about how you use social media in your personal life? It’s become second nature for me, so thinking about what I was doing or why I was doing it, well… wasn’t happening.
I obviously am quite comfortable with social media and think it is an amazing tool for personal and professional use.
I have a lot of personal changes going on in my life at the moment, one of which is slowing down and analyzing each aspect of my life to assess its true value. Naturally, that included my professional life (e.g. my marketing business). I began thinking about how I separate my business social media from my personal social media. Some partitions are obvious, such as I have two Facebook profiles. One profile is for family/friends the other is for professional networking.
This led me to realize how differently I respond to each area of social media that I use on regular basis. My primary sites for personal use are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and a blog. They each have their own “purpose” with distinct qualities I call upon depending on my mood.
How odd is that? Perhaps it’s not too odd to you, but I’ve never heard of anyone say they “weren’t in the mood for Twitter.” Take this new epiphany plus my passion for travel and thus, The Countries of My Social Media World were born.
Facebook:
My France; How I adore thee?! I always enjoy it. We sometimes argue and disagree, but always find out way back together. I would dare to say that Facebook (other than email) is probably the best/quickest way for my friends to contact me. Sad, yes, I know. (The truth hurts sometimes). I’m able to communicate with others on my terms. I’m constantly on the go and can’t always pick up a phone to call.
Twitter:
My Hawaii; My heart and my haven. Twitter has taken the place of several things in my life. The first being the news (with the exception of Good Morning America). I stay connected to Twitter when I’m on a computer and through my phone. I find out what happens, when it happens. Second, comic relief. Social networking is about connecting. I’ve met some amazing people via Twitter who often help me get through my day with a smile.
LinkedIn:
My Germany; I visit, not as often as I should, but always enjoy it when I do. There’s always something or someone new each visit.
Blog:
My Washington, D.C.; The definition of a love-hate-relationship. I get frustrated, leave it, but always come back home.
To know your strength and weaknesses in social media you have to first understand your own relationship with each aspect of social media. You should know what kind of reaction each system generally causes in you. The first step to rehabilitation is admittance, the same goes for successful social media campaigns. You have to find and admit where you are strong and where you are weak. Then of course, seek help.
If you have more questions on how to identify your relationship with social media email me at info@monyellemingo.com
