TO BE OR NOT TO BE (ON SOCIAL MEDIA)?

Ever fantasized about running away from social media?

ME TOO. I've had an on and off relationship w social media for years.

We've discussed this before.

Things is, back in August I decided to (very intentionally and methodically) dissolve my allergy to using social media for business, welcoming more than a few new clients into my world as a result.

I shared these reflections on FB last week and wanted to share them here directly in case they shake some useful truth loose for you too.

Before you hang up your hat filter and resign to quiet observer mode, hear me out.

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First - it's helpful to remember it's a choice to show up on social media. IF, when, how, why... all up to you. Not mandatory. #onherterms style. You're the boss, literally.

If you don't have a desire to use social, you don't have to. (And you definitely don't have to try trends that feel out of integrity. Awkward for all involved.)

If you want to use it temporarily as you build up other marketing channels, referral strategies, etc. and decide to step away later, great.

If you decide you DO want to go all in and hire support with amplifying the messages you create in your (long form) path of least creative resistance, also perfect.

You can trust yourself to make those decisions as they come. And to change your mind (and strategy) as needed.

Sometimes simply removing the "have to" or should vibes is enough to release the resistance (so you can defog the emo windshield and decide from a place of power either way).

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For me - I'd love to fill my dream client roster solely via referrals and relationships, leveraging paid traffic to sell my books and self study offers.

Right now, the most efficient path for all of the above is to use social media for 1:many conversations that spark 1:1 conversations.

I'm genuinely interested in connecting with people via DM, not just posting for posting's sake.

I don't have a set schedule or format.

Whether I'm posting something personal (like this recent story on my "cinnamon sugar" hair color) or directly related to my pro client work, I'm posting because I want to. When I want to.

I'm intentionally leaving breadcrumbs for folks who want to see what I'm about, how I can currently support them, etc.

It's one part of the broader ecosystem.

Helps create a more complete picture of what it's like to be in my energetic orbit. 🪐

Showing up provides opportunities for potential clients to see me in action, to get to know like and trust me and see me *being seen* in front of a broader audience which has an impact in itself, even if they don't interact with me before they head to my site and buy my course, for example.

(Like watching and appreciating someone from the other side of the dance floor, seeing they're having a great time with or without you. They'll come closer and join the fun when they feel ready.)

I also love that virtual connection can spark "real life" connections.

Like, at the grocery store.

I scheduled a play date with one of my childhood best friends who DMed me on IG, reconnected with cousins, and helped one of my son's friend’s moms identify her highest values and think of her current situation differently... then - almost literally - ran into her on my way to grab a can (or two...) of Pringles that night! 💫

That reconnection with folks in my physical life has been an extra bonus.

Bottom line(s):

Whether I personally spend time scrolling IG or not, it's where many of my clients are spending time right now.

I see posting there as me making an effort to literally meet them where they are.

Like visiting my late and Great Aunt Lola, who celebrated her 100th birthday in 2020.

Her memory-filled home was a four-hour drive from my hometown.

Technically "out of the way"?

Sure.

And *always* worth the visit. ❤️