Social media networking has become an integral part of contemporary society, reshaping the way individuals connect, communicate, and share information. Revolutionized communication, connecting individuals worldwide through platforms like LinkedIN, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Threads, and more. These platforms facilitate the sharing of thoughts, experiences, and multimedia content, creating virtual communities. Social media democratizes information but also poses challenges like the spread of misinformation and the formation of echo chambers. When social media was first introduced it was more about being in the know, more than, knowing how or what to do with it. Now, we ask “why switch social on or off” How will this impact my business? What will I miss if I take a break or pause?
Beyond personal connections, social media is a powerful tool for businesses and influencers, offering opportunities for marketing and direct consumer engagement. However, concerns about privacy, mental health, and the impact of constant connectivity have arisen. In essence, social media networking has reshaped the way we connect, share, and consume information, presenting both opportunities and challenges that society must navigate responsibly.
So, when is it time to turn it off? When is it time to shut it down or dial down the web? Maybe I should just keep going but change-up the pace and frequency? How will that impact my bottom line? I know over time; I’ve gotten better at time management utilizing and integrating social media management into my personal and professional lifestyle. I know when it’s time to keep it on, and how to pace myself throughout the day without getting too deep into one platform when you don’t get anything else done for the day. Well, we can all say that happened to us especially when some social sites were first introduced. Then, we slacked back to our time and investment on certain sites. It made common sense.
Now, many of us have learned when to open apps and how long to measure time on social media, keeping it in perspective with time management. I open apps when I feel it’s time to glance at the day’s activity, maybe once every hour or so. Depending on what I have going on each week, fluctuates that timeline. Then, we learn to close the apps out immediately after use to move onto the next task. It’s equally important to note: know when to say “Goodnite” to social media. Call it quits for the day and get some rest.
While I do keep my cell phone “on” and on top my nightstand for emergency family calls, I keep it upside down so I don’t see any apps flashing throughout the night. Some people prefer to place the cell in a completely different room. That’s fine too. I silence and keep notifications to a minimum. There is no need to announce every email, like, follow, reply or whatever. I check notifications periodically to ensure they did not reset once apps update the software. Save that list of social activity for the next day’s list of time management.
I schedule posts and blogs two to three weeks out, to ensure I don’t go crazy posting individually or daily. Again, there is no reason to be on the apps 24/7, too frequently, when there are many social media managers that serve that purpose well an you have a real job to get done. Don’t lose focus on the day job. Social media is there to support and assist, drive sales, not do all the work for you.
Since my kids have lived on the west coast and I’m east, it took some time to get into the habit and swing of things before I learned NOT to wake them up too early. I now focus on sending text messages either after the early hours of 6:30 or 7 am EST, more like when I know they may be up, or after. I might email them then, if I have a busy day scheduled and I don’t think I get to it till much later. I simply draft an email and send it off early so it’s waiting in their inbox when they wake up. This way, we are all ‘happy campers’. Respect other people’s time and time zones.
Another example is when I kept receiving really ‘kind’ text responses to diverse topics. Then I caught on. “Thank you for your input” or “No thank you, I appreciate the offer.” When you receive one too many of those replies, one after another, you realize that someone is using ‘autoreply’ and perhaps you should change your ways. I usually laugh at myself first before putting corrective behaviors in place. Just for kicks, I might send back an open-ended reply that requires a response. When I don’t get one back, you’ll be able to confront them and advise you were responsive and in the know. I have also found ‘autoreply’ to be a great tool for all the lead-gen emails I receive weekly. I have a special ‘No thank you’ signature email that can be drafted with other wording, if needed. Basically, be kind, courteous, and be responsive. This does not just apply to entrepreneurs but as a good business practice in general.
We say ‘stop and smell the roses’, but do we? So, I ask myself more often today than in the past, when is enough, enough? How do you stay connected and balance your day after all? How do you keep technology at your fingertips yet at an arm’s reach away when necessary? Let’s engage in discussion about how you manage your day using social media and share a few tips for successful management while you savor your cup of java!
Java with Jean – a blog series featuring storytelling articles on Entrepreneurship by award-winning author, writer, innovator, and mediapreneur, Jean Criss. Jean is Founder and CEO of multiple e-commerce companies, has published 5 books sold on Amazon, and is passionate about sharing stories from the heart. Jean utilizes her depth and breadth of digital media knowledge throughout her creativity and innovation as a global leader in tech, media, and fashion.
Contact Jean Criss at info@jeancrissmedia.com | JeanCrissMedia.com
