Statistics put introverts at 25-50% of the population

Introverts you are not alone

So what happens when the rest of the world is on social media and you have anxiety attacks for 2 hours about sending 1 tweet?

I have worked in social media and marketing for 19 years now and for those that weren’t aware – I’m an introvert

At least one in 3 Social Media Training sessions my clients mention “I’m just not the sort of person to put myself out there” so here is my introverts guide to making social media work for your business

SCHEDULE QUIET ZONES VS NON QUIET ZONES
As an introvert I know it’s important to take time out

To be silent. To read that book. To feel disconnected

When it comes to reading, I take my mobile phone out of the room and really switch off from the outside world

But when it comes to social media, there’s a feeling you always need to be present

If you’re using social media, time block your day, so you have those quiet zones and those bursts of activity on social media

You simply don’t need to be on social media from 7am-11pm constantly

Dip in and out for 10-15 minute blocks throughout the day

REMIND YOURSELF OF WHY YOU’RE USING SOCIAL MEDIA
You’re using social media for a reason

We could talk about sales

We could talk about money

We could talk about lifestyle

But we’re British, so we don’t talk about that

More often than not, you’re using social media to continue doing what you love and are passionate about

When it comes to social media I approach it with one goal in mind – to help me run the business that allows me to help lots of people

It’s the same thing I think about when I stand in front of an large audience and think back to how did this shy teenager ever do this

DEFINE WHAT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE PUTTING OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media consultants will tell you you need to be yourself on social media

And it’s true – people do buy from people

The human connection is important and helps build your business

It doesn’t mean you need to put everything out there on social media

Being human can mean putting 20-30% of yourself out there on social media

If you don’t feel comfortable posting photos of yourself every day, photos of your family, tell everyone every place you go to – don’t do it

If you look at my social media profiles, you probably think I post my life on social media

I still know when to put the phone away and have quiet family and friend time

DON’T THINK “TOO MUCH” ABOUT WHAT CAN GO WRONG
Here’s the truth for you

Not as much goes wrong on social media as you’d think

The press and media will jump on social media scandals and mishaps because it sells papers

Social Media companies will jump on poor use of social media, because it serves as a good example of how to not use social media

As one of our connections Nigel Dean said recently “It’s important to be yourself on social media. It’s just a shame that some people are racist, sexist, homophobic”

90% of the things that go wrong on social media are when someone touches on these areas

It’s pretty hard to get something wrong on social media

Don’t over think it – but if there’s a little niggling doubt it could be read the wrong way your intuition is probably right

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BLOCK PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE
I’ve been in those horrible face 2 face meetings when a loud aggressive bully pushes through a decision that is wrong simply because they are loud and aggressive

On social media there are loud aggressive bullies who will try the same

It shouldn’t be part and parcel of being on social media, but it is

Having 25,000 followers on social media means we’ve had to block a number of people over the past 9 years of running this business

Whilst the reporting function on social media platforms for trolling and harassment are virtually useless

99% of people on social media are helpful and supportive, but never ever be afraid of blocking someone who has harassed you online

COMMIT TO DOING IT DAILY
It’s a cliche – but the more you use social media the easier it becomes

Commit to using it daily and it doesn’t become that big scary thing it used to be

It becomes routine like checking email or picking up the phone

NEED HELP WITH YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA?
Chat to about Social Media Marketing for YOUR organisation , so we can better understand YOU and what will grow your organisation

We can only find out what is unique to your business by chatting with you

Look at our Social Media Training and Social Media Management services

Or

Please call Alex on 07806774279 or email alex@altrinchamhq.co.uk

Alex

Alex McCann is owner of Altrincham HQ – a social media management and training company based in Altrincham, Cheshire that has worked with 100s of local business developing their social media strategy. Alex has 500+ LinkedIn testimonials and is Ranked Number 1 for Social Media Marketing in the UK via independent customer reviews on Freeindex.