If you know me at all, you know "snob" is not a word I would be associated with. Or not often, anyway. 😀 Every now and then someone mistakes my introverted personality for something other than "omg, get me out of this crowd before I implode!!" -lol.
It's true that I'm a classic introvert. I'm not shy (anymore), but the true definition is someone that gets drained by a crowd. An extrovert gets energized by a crowd. An introvert is happiest in their own little space - and they don't know the meaning of the word "bored".
Why does this matter? Because you can learn A LOT from introverts, such as how to become more efficient and effective on Social Media for one. 😉
That's what we're going to talk about today - how to use Social Media more efficiently, or why you should be a Social Media Snob, and what that means...
The Social Media Time Suck
As an introvert, I miss the pre-social days of the web when I could happily sit in a corner and focus on SEO and email marketing - without ever really showing my face or sharing my daily life. Not just because I'm an introvert (which is why I love working from home!), but also because social media sucks up so much extra TIME.
Not that I'm really complaining, because Social Media also has tons of benefits! It makes it easier than ever to get massive exposure, launch something cool, connect with brands and market leaders, and generally get seen and get clicks.
I'm sure you can relate.
It can be VERY time-consuming, but you know it's worth it.
So how do you fit it in, and do it RIGHT?
I'll share a few tips with you that really work well for me...
Don't Read Your Content Stream (Seriously)
As an introvert, the content stream on any social platform sends me in a spin and makes me spaz into a full-on anxiety attack. 😛 DO NOT click the Home button! Ever. It's pure madness, lol.
That may sound silly considering you've followed certain people for a reason, that reason being: you want to see their updates. Right? Hopefully (see the next tip!).
The only time I scroll through the content stream is in my downtime - when I'm standing in line somewhere, enjoying a coffee on the back deck at the end of the day, or otherwise not working. The content stream should be for mindless downtime only, like television.
There are more efficient ways to get good content, or to find out what your favorite people are up to today. On Twitter you can set up a Twitter List, or several - one for business content, one for specific topics or discussions, one for brands or market leaders you're following, etc. You can set up lists on Facebook too, but I find it easier to click "Get Notifications" on the people or Pages I want to make sure I get updates from. I don't want to miss a single thing my sweet daughter posts for example, or I might want to see every update for the Collision Conference I'm attending in May.
To give you an example, I have a public list on Twitter for "Brands I Love". You can make lists private, but in this case I wanted them to know that I love them (which is a great way to get in front of them):
Outside of lists and notifications, I use the search boxes frequently to find things, people or topics, which is much more efficient than scrolling through a noisy content stream! Tagboard.com is also a great resource for finding conversations or topics across multiple platforms - all in one nice, neat place. 😉
Reciprocation Is Not Polite - It's Stupid
I don't know where the reciprocation idea originated, but it's just plain stupid! Just because someone follows you on Twitter doesn't mean you should follow them back. That may sound rude, or snobbish, but it actually makes perfect sense.
Your content stream should be unique to YOU. As should mine to me. Let's say that a worm farmer follows me because they eat low carb, or they follow my @LynnTerry account to get tips for marketing their worm farming business online. Why in the HELL would I follow them back if I have ZERO interest in worms?! I wouldn't. Duh.
You follow who you want to follow, subscribe to the content you want to receive, and let everyone else do the same. Period. It's that simple.
Sure, every now and then I get some weirdo who yells at me, "Hey, I follow you but you don't follow me back!" And I think to myself .oO Err, thanks for confirming why I don't. 😛
There are programs that will let you go in and automatically unfollow everyone who doesn't follow you back. That's stupid too. What if you're following CNN to get news updates. Why in the world should they follow YOU? One has nothing to do with the other. Follow/Friend who you want to hear from. That's all.
Market Like An Introvert...
I'm not going to say introverts are smarter, but they ARE more efficient with their time. Especially their social time. I have a saying that goes:
"I'm in and out of Twitter quicker than a public restroom!"
It's true. 😉 It'd be the case with Facebook too if I didn't run a ridiculously massive super active Facebook Group. That one requires a bit more of my time! Anyway, the point I wanted to make is this:
Know what you want to do, get it done, and get out.
That requires having an objective of course, which is just smart marketing. Without a solid objective you're likely to be sitting around reading your content stream and following everyone back that follows you. Don't do stupid stuff. 😛 Log on to your social platforms with a purpose, and get your business done - effectively!
Let's say I want to go follow some smart new people on Twitter to increase my network of cool entrepreneurs. I just participated in a fun "book buzz" for the new Twitter Power 3.0 Launch, so I can go to Twitter and search twitterpower to find other people using the hashtag and talking about the book. Bingo! These are the perfect people for me to connect to, and given I'm talking about the book on my profile... they may just follow me back based on our similar interest.
Efficient, effective... and fast. That's my goal!
I hope these tips help you waste less time and get more done. 😀
Thoughts, questions? Leave a comment & let's talk...
Best,
p.s. I teach my super efficient, highly effective "introvert methods" in a course called Social Marketing Results. You can get full access to SMR (PLUS hands on help from me with your business) when you become a member of my Private Brainstorming Group. You'll also get complimentary access to my $199 Niche Success Blueprint course, which is totally awesome. 😀
You should join us today. It's a GREAT group, and I can help you take your business to maximum profit potential this year - in the quickest way and the fewest steps possible. Because that's what I do! *cheers*
- Oh, and right now you can join for only $37/month. The monthly option is rarely open, so you should definitely take advantage of that before it closes again...
About Lynn Terry
So smart! I am uber picky about who I follow, and who I friend on Facebook. Seriously, I can't keep up with all that chatter, and when I tried - I couldn't keep up with those people I really know and wanted to keep up with. I had to control the madness.
I control the horizontal & vertical (Twilight Zone style). 😉
I follow people, brands and businesses that I like or interest me. Should their conversations veer toward something that doesn't - I remove them. End of story. No hassle. No drama. I just quietly remove them from my space.
I used to be uber active on Twitter, then got into Facebook. I'm now getting back to Twitter more. So many social media platforms - so little time. LOL
True - I have to spread myself across Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, Facebook, etc for my low carb niche... because that's where they are! The brands and market leaders are super active on Twitter, for example - so I really can't afford to miss out on that activity.
I use my mobile for most of that (thanks to Instagram for forcing me in that direction 😛 lol). I find it a very efficient way to post updates - copy and paste to each in most cases. 😉
I have an objective this afternoon, so no time to try to sound smart and impress you. Haha! Boy, do I work too hard on some responses! Comments, email, etc.
Well, I'm "gettin learned" from a super smart chick and I have her voice blaring in my head, "Strategy, Lisa, strategy!" So I'm going to go strategically do some money tasks!
I couldn't skip chiming in and saying, "Thank you!" Your smarts and guidance lead me in the direction of my dreams! 🙂
That makes my day, Lisa! 😀
Money Tasks are my favorite way to spend the day, or at least start it. 😉 *cheers*
Very helpful post as usual Lynn!
Social media is fascinating; as a fellow introvert, I prefer to watch it from afar even though I fully realize its importance in business development.
Who to follow is so important but something I didn't even think about until you mentioned it. 😉
Thank you.
Thank you, Watson - I'm really glad you enjoyed it! 😀
I know most of us struggle with it, mainly as a time issue. Even extroverts! I hope these tips will prove helpful to people that really want to tap into the power of Social Media - without falling victim to the time suck. 😛 *cheers*
Okay so just shoot me. Why have I not set up lists before this? Yep, Lynn Terry are the first one I added to my list. Thanks for the tip!
LOL, Twitter Lists are awesome. 😀
Ok, so if I speedread right, I can use Twitter more effectively if I hashing straight to my own interests. I'd love to have a visual to that because that's how I learn. I see it, learn it, do it. Can you use that somewhere, Lynn, lol.
I already have! I have a very detailed course called Social Marketing Results where I teach everything in great detail - "over my shoulder" style with screen sharing (video / visual). That $77 course is free to Elite Members in my Private Brainstorming Group. 😉
You don't have to speed read though. There are only two things (or tabs) I pay attention to on social platforms: Notifications and Messages. Those are the only "content streams" you really need to be reading or keeping up with.
Other than that, yes - use searches and hashtags to find topics of interest, or topics relevant to what you are blogging about or sharing yourself, so you can meet and talk to the people who are interested in exactly that! 😀
Hi Lynn,
It's super refreshing to find someone who feels the way you do about all the noise online and is also introverted. It's a phrase that's soooooooo misunderstood, but I have definitely noticed that a lot of Internet marketers define themselves as such.
I agree with the reciprocation part! I remember a guy criticized me because I didn't follow him (and most people) back. I looked at his feed on Twitter and thought "Uhh.... why? I'm not interested in what you're tweeting about." I have never understood the follow back thing. But as time went on I noticed a lot of marketers said they regretted it. Who can keep up with all that noise in the feed???
Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who gets overwhelmed by all the social stuff and misses the good ole' days. 🙂 Glad to know I'm not alone!
You're definitely NOT alone on that one, Lisa. 😉
Of course, the benefits are SO worth it!
Another tip I should have mentioned in the original post... turn off most of your social email notifications. You don't need to know every single time someone new decides to follow you. Filter the notifications you DO want into a folder in your inbox - and only check it once a day, during your Social Media Time Block.
What a great article Lynn, and it's really nice to know that even such a successful person as you is also an introvert.
It is so true that using the FB and Twitter feeds is time consuming and destroys any semblance of productivity in your day. I often hear people say they spend hours on Facebook just browsing.
Love your tips and though I have sort of implemented them, I think I may just need to strengthen them and go sit back in that corner to concentrate on the more important parts of my business.
"back to the corner" <- I like that, Ian! I often retreat back to mine, shutting down everything that "dings" and focusing on what matters most... my priorities! 😉 *cheers*
Excellent advice Lynn!
First of all, I absolutely love your saying with regards to being in and
out of twitter fast than a public restroom!LOL!
That is simply priceless and my sentiments exactly, when it comes mindlessly browsing
the various social media platforms.
And overall your main point is extremely well taken, and that is, learn to use social media and not let it use you!
How serious entrepreneurs have time to spend (not invest) hours on end on these platforms, when there are clearly more effective (money making) uses of their extremely valuable and non replaceable time.
That are readily available, is simply beyond my current level of comprehension!
I think I'll stick to your approach! Thanks!
Hi Mark! 😀
"spend vs invest" = another one of my favorite topics. 😉
*cheers*
Yikes, this is smart, Lynn. I need you to organize my whole life for me. When I find myself bogged down in Internet details, I often find myself thinking "I wonder how Lynn Terry handles this?"
I can't truthfully say I don't scan streams a bit too often, but I do try to focus when on soc-med. I wish more of them were set up like Google Plus with an easy system of categorizing your follows. G+ isn't the overwhelming success Google had hoped it would be, though.
That's true Wade, it's not. In fact they are splitting it up into parts because the social piece hasn't gone over well. In fact, some believe it won't last long. You know Google is notorious for shutting products lately. They haven't had much success in the social arena. Hint: Remember Google Wave?
I think the best solution I've found is to know where your audience is and focus there. I used to feel the pressure to be popular on EVERY new network. Now I've learned to say "No" to the shiny new objects and stay focused on what's working. That's not to say I won't investigate the new toy (i.e. Periscope) but I no longer feel the pressure to immediately jump onboard without first seeing if it's worth it for ME.
Wade, RE: "When I find myself bogged down in Internet details, I often find myself thinking "I wonder how Lynn Terry handles this?"" - 😀 You should ask me anytime that comes to mind! I bet whatever it is, it would make for a GREAT blog post. 😉
LOL @ worm farmer 😉 No, I don't know why Lynn would follow a worm farmer, but I do know why a worm farmer would follow Lynn! Great post. - Chris2
This is one of the best SN posts I've read yet Lynn. There is just sooooo much hoo haa about how to "build your business" entirely by only using the social platforms, I see people spending their lives on them, spamming people and going nuts generally.
People who want to slash their wrists if you don't come and comment/like the fact they liked/commented on your post... and as for Twitter...yes, why the heck to people expect you to follow them back. I don't even read Twitter, or G+ or any of the other platforms.
I use them for backlinking purposes 99.99% of the time... I publish a web page ... hit the SN share buttons ... move on.
I only 'read' the FB feeds from a select few (and to get my daily news updates, as I refuse to watch TV news)... and the trick is to unclick the "Follow" button on your "Friends" profiles... so you can still be friends with zillions of people, without having their every post and comment in your newsfeed. (Wish I'd realised that earlier, because I used to un-friend hundreds of people at the start of each year, to stay sane)
So I keep the Home newsfeed for business (books & PLR) and a handful of friends only. Not overwhelming when I take a look now.
I'm so glad that I'm not the only sane voice in the SN hysteria
Exactly, Helene! It's a shame so many people are doing it TOTALLY wrong. From spamming to bad automation - it's just not serving them at all, in any way, and only cluttering up an otherwise awesome platform. 😛
Of course, that's always been the case with any tool or platform over the years. You have your groups that use it for the intended purpose, and those that just abUSE it. 😉
Hi Lynn -
Great post! And as an introvert myself as properly defined, it totally explains WHY I get almost panicked everytime I go on FB and I swerve the rest altogether just now. So I was very interested to see your comment
"I have to spread myself across Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, Facebook, etc for my low carb niche... because that's where they are!"
How do you find out where your niche target audience is? Is it just a case of going there and looking around? I would've thought forums?
Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
Susan
Thank you, Susan! Forums are not as active as they used to be. Facebook Groups are replacing those FAST. The easiest way to find out where your market is, is to use TagBoard.com and type in some of your base key words.
TagBoard doesn't include Pinterest though, or Facebook Groups, so I like to do specific searches for my market on those platforms.
This is actually a really good topic - I should do a screenshare webinar on it and show how *I* do it. I think it would be really helpful for anyone that wants to increase traffic & revenue via Social Media. 🙂 Let me know if that interests you & I'll set it up!
I would love to see a screenshare webinar on Tagboard Lynn!
I never even heard of it b4 today!? That and TWUBS!
Thanks!
Marge
Done! 🙂 Stay tuned for the details...
Hi Lynn - Me too - I want a TagBoard Webinar! Thanks!