Have you ever followed someone on social media and really gotten turned off by their updates?
Or have you been on the other side where you really waste your time doing something that you know was a waste, but you felt compelled while you were doing it?
It’s happened to all of us. I’ve been on both sides. All I’m doing with this post is sharing a few of my own experiences. You may get some pleasure from doing these things, but when it comes down to business it’s really about doing the things that lead to results.
The rest is really just a waste of time and as a business owner or manager I know you don’t have extra time to waste.
So if you’re doing these things it might be time to stop…immediately.
1. Fighting Negative Comments
The more popular your blog, brand and profile gets on social media the more you’ll open yourself up to criticism. It’s inevitable and it’s actually a good sign. If nobody cares enough about you to leave negative comments then you really don’t have enough exposure to matter.
It’s tempting to lash out at negative comments especially those that are blatantly wrong or just plain mean, but it does no good. That’s what the person is usually after. They’re looking for some kind of reaction.
Don’t give it to them. Just ignore it and move on. They are not the person that is important to you and your business. If you’re doing a good job your customers and audience will appreciate your efforts. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone. Just let it go.
2. Following Negative, Depressed People
This can really be a downer in all phases of life. If you’re following people and they’re constantly tweeting negative things or talking about how unlucky they are or talking about how bad their life is, unfollow them. You don’t need it.
Surround yourself with upbeat people. Sure, everybody has bad days and they’ll share occasional updates of frustration, but for the most part you’ll be able to tell if the people you follow are upbeat.
When those you surround yourself are happy then you’re more likely to be happen. It’s true in person and on social media.
3. Sharing Snobby Updates
If you start having some success it’s fine to feel good, but keep your humble nature as much as you can. I’ve followed a few people that get kind of snobby with their updates. It’s really off putting.
If you’re company does a better job than another just let the results speak for themselves. You don’t need to call things out. That’s for your target audience to see. Give your audience credit. They’re smart and they’ll know if they should choose you.
4. Following People With Too Many Updates
I like people that update a lot. If you really like what someone has to say you want them to update as often as possible.
However, if someone is taking it a little too far to the point where your feed is too full of only their updates it’s better to unfollow them. Spread your sources out a little bit. Try following different people. You can always go back if you really miss their updates.
5. Discussing Politics
I’m convinced that politics is the biggest waste of time. It can really consume your attention and that’s what you’re trying to avoid. You want to focus on getting new customers and doing the things that make you happy.
Politicians are going to do what they’re going to do. You have very, very little to no control over it so just let it go. When things change then change with them and do the best with what you have.
The best entrepreneurs I’ve been around care very little about politics. They’re too focused on getting customers and optimizing their business to care about what is going on in the politic world. They care even less about sharing political feelings on social media because they really don’t have political feelings.
It’s not worth it.
Are you guilty of these things? I know I have been in the past, but I’ve really tried to cut back over the years and the results have been positive. Social media can be a bit of a trap and it’s easy to fall into it. Be strong in the face of these temptations. You’ll be better off for it.