In this social media world of ours, we have every opportunity imaginable to build a stronger network. Through blogging, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other similar sites (including forums on industry sites, such as one I frequent), our connectibility outnumbers even the imagination.
But how do you make the most of it? How can you ensure that you are embracing your supporters, or the people who could be your supporters when you need the help?
Here's a quick to-do list:
PAY IT FORWARD
Do what Jen Singer did for me and a few other blogging friends today. She linked my blog to hers, with a very nice description I might add. So do the same. Add links whenever you can. Post them on your blogs, on your "tweets," on your Facebook page. Include them in your e-mails. Pass the word around about the people you meet in your online social network who are doing great things, inspiring others, or making people laugh. Spread the word. They'll spread it back. Your social media metwork should definitely be a Pay it Forward place to be. And you have a role in making it so.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Visit your friends' and colleagues' spaces online--and post comments. Engage in the dialogue, add to it, encourage others to comment after you.
ACT LIKE A LEMMING
Take part in Twitter's back and forth #followfriday exercise. Every Friday, if you're on Twitter, you have an opportunity to post the names/avatars of people you think make interesting "follows." These could be your friends, people who post funny thoughts, people who share inspiring messages, people who have interesting things to say. If they are worth it for you to follow them, then maybe others will think likewise. So share the names and help expand someone else's territory. And when someone recommends someone for you to follow, check 'em out. If they fit your interests, then follow them, too.
BE GRATEFUL
Offer a thank-you when someone does any of this for you. It's common courtesy. Besides, you don't want to take this stuff for granted. It takes a lot of time and effort to grow an online presence, let alone the network. So it behooves anyone involved to be thankful for the process.
If you have any suggestions to add, please post a comment. We can all learn from eachother.
Showing posts with label pay it forward. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pay it forward. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Moving in the right direction
Can't you just feel it when things are going your way? Everything seems to fall into place without much more effort. Challenges seem to dissipate. You catch yourself walking around with a smile on your face. Life is good.
When you're in those moments, try not to question them.
Don't ask: why does this feel so right? Instead, say: thank goodness everything feels right.
Accept the blessing and go with it.
That's what I've been feeling all this week. Things do seem to be falling into place. It's taken a lot of work to get here. And I'm tired. But it's a good tired. It's a hard-earned kind of tired. My list isn't shrinking, but I'm checking things off.
It feels good. I accept that. I want that. I deserve that.
If you're feeling especially good right now about where you're at, know that you've earned it. Embrace that goodness and spread it around.
One of my fellow bloggers recently posted about paying it forward. She purchased a Starbucks coffee for the person behind her. It made her feel good. I've done something similar many times. And it does feel good. That good feeling stays with you. Your mind takes you back there sometimes, when you need to be reminded of your goodness. And sometimes we do need that reminder. Whatever it takes.
Just let yourself move in that direction. Let your Killer instincts take you where your heart needs to go. Trust your judgment. The minute we question ourselves is the minute we're probably starting to move off track. Off track is exactly what it says it is. And that's why I ask you to embrace the goodness and spread it around. That's moving in the right direction.
And if you have time, if the weather calls for it, if you're so moved, hop on a bike and ride. As with mine, it could be the ride of your life.
All my best,
Jackie
When you're in those moments, try not to question them.
Don't ask: why does this feel so right? Instead, say: thank goodness everything feels right.
Accept the blessing and go with it.
That's what I've been feeling all this week. Things do seem to be falling into place. It's taken a lot of work to get here. And I'm tired. But it's a good tired. It's a hard-earned kind of tired. My list isn't shrinking, but I'm checking things off.
It feels good. I accept that. I want that. I deserve that.
If you're feeling especially good right now about where you're at, know that you've earned it. Embrace that goodness and spread it around.
One of my fellow bloggers recently posted about paying it forward. She purchased a Starbucks coffee for the person behind her. It made her feel good. I've done something similar many times. And it does feel good. That good feeling stays with you. Your mind takes you back there sometimes, when you need to be reminded of your goodness. And sometimes we do need that reminder. Whatever it takes.
Just let yourself move in that direction. Let your Killer instincts take you where your heart needs to go. Trust your judgment. The minute we question ourselves is the minute we're probably starting to move off track. Off track is exactly what it says it is. And that's why I ask you to embrace the goodness and spread it around. That's moving in the right direction.
And if you have time, if the weather calls for it, if you're so moved, hop on a bike and ride. As with mine, it could be the ride of your life.
All my best,
Jackie
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