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One of the first questions I was asked Monday night during my talk at the Wilton Library was about social media–how much to participate and which venues to show up in. I drew from the wisdom of my daughter Lindsey who is not only a successful businesswoman, but also a whale (she has thousands of followers) on the social media scene. She advised, “If you’re not comfortable doing it, don’t.”
Today there’s an article in the Arts section of the New York Times about Woody Allen’s newest technological venture since “his invention of the orgasmatron.” He’s recording some of his works as audiobooks. This is a stretch for the auteur who is quoted as saying: “I don’t own a computer, have no idea how to work one, don’t own a word processor, and have zero interest in technology.” Gee, he seems to have been fairly successful without all that.
An additional article caught my eye in the same issue of the paper today. The front page, below the fold, featured the best horseshoe thrower in America. Color photo and four columns across. He’s being recognized in the world’s greatest newspaper for what he does best.
If you’re doing what you love and are really, really good at it, the world will beat a path to your door. I’m still dabbling in the social media waters, as I know they’re not subsiding, but focusing most of my time on the things I do best and letting the word spread as it will. I encourage you to do the same at whatever speed you travel.
I attended a great talk on social networking a few weeks back given by Peter Shankman. The big question on the minds of most in the audience was, “When am I supposed to do this?” Everyone’s days are already filled to the brim. How do you make time for something when you don’t really understand its value?
I’ve been dabbling in LinkedIn for about a year now and Facebook for less than six months. It’s just beginning to feel like there’s some potential for my life and business. (I can hear those 20-somethings snickering as I type.) When I go to visit my profile on Facebook and see reports on what all my ‘friends’ are up to, I think, Hmmmm. This is pretty cool. What do I want to tell them about what I’m doing?
Peter reminded us that any networking takes time. I certainly remember the effort it used to take to attend events when I was new to entrepreneurship. I was afraid to walk into those crowded rooms and act like a businessperson, especially when I’d just returned from carpooling or a pediatrician appointment. Or, I’d just changed out of sweats and was racing around my office trying to locate my business cards so I’d appear more professional than I felt.
I’m experiencing that same awkward adjustment period with the online communities. How do I want and need to show up here? How often do I participate? How do I download photos, video and blog entries? Should I create a business page, groups, etc.? There’s always a learning curve. It’s just a different modality that I need to get accustomed to.
The time issue though, with all these additional online commitments, is what to let go of. I decided that it would be an indulgence I’d gotten used to: casual lunches with friends. These could take up a good two hours in the middle of my day. Now, I take a 30 minute break, then go back to my desk. It’s increased my momentum, kept me focused and allowed me time to explore the new media and to feel current.
Happily, 
I’ve substituted early morning or late afternoon beach walks with those friends who I used to dine with. What I’m always hungry for is a conversation with them, not an egg sandwich.
