Social Media and Time Management = More Structure

Lisa Call
Structures #2 ©2003
lisa@lisacall.com 

My last post addressed time management from a perspective of increasing productivity. If you become more productive, you may not have more time but you accomplish more in the time you do have.

Another way to accomplish more is to be more organized and focused. This is a tough one for many of us. It doesn't take anything off our plate, it just rearranges it and adds more structure and procedures to our day. That's tough, but important.

Regarding social media - my first comment would be to set a goal.

The whole reason why social media and time management are such a challenging duo is that social media is ...well... social. We get caught up in the social aspect, chatting and tweeting with all our 'friends'. In business you're there for a reason. What is it? Awareness-Product promotion-Site traffic - etc.

All the social media tools can be a time sink, but I find Twitter to be especially challenging because of the ongoing, real-time conversations that take place. An organizational tip I can suggest is set up and RSS search feed and then schedule Twitter appointment(s) on your calendar to monitor. Don't keep Twitter open on your computer all day. For example: if your business is a travel agency and your Twitter objective is to track conversations around business travel, you might set up RSS feeds for terms such as BOS, JFK, ORD, SFO, "business trip", "travel for business", etc.  Have a schedule when you read through the feeds a couple of times a day and comment on those that are of relevance to your business; you can suggest resources, accommodations, feedback, etc. The same with Facebook, LInkedIn or other social networks. Update your status, read through other comments and respond as appropriate, then get off.

Facebook and LinkedIn also have the discussion board component. If this is part of your social media efforts, schedule time to browse new questions on your LInkedIn Group(s) and respond as appropriate. Similarly with your Facebook group(s) / page(s). The ultimate objective of social media is to engage. This means being present, participating and being consistent.

The BIG issue is You Have to Be disciplined. You don't have to participate in every single group, forum and network out there. You don't have to spend massive time. Target well and Start small. Schedule 'social media' time with yourself on your calendar every day. Review the conversations. Connect and engage.  Be disciplined and keep in mind 'why' you're there.

Comments

[Lisa Call]

Hey wow - look at this - my artwork in your post. Any chance you could list my name up there with the title of the art? Would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Lynnelle]

Absolutely! I had the name of the piece and a link back to your site previously. Now your name and email address are noted as well as the name of the piece and the link back to your site. I think it is gorgeous! Love your work.

Lynnelle