Social Networking

Every year at this time brings a new list of New Year’s resolutions as we make new goals and promise ourselves to change our behavior in some way for the better. When it comes to being socially networked online, we could probably create an endless list of all the activities we think we must be doing. Here are some things I hear often: I will finally get on Facebook. I will update my profile on Linkedin. I will stop Tweeting about everything I do. I will not check Facebook when I amon a date. I will not pin everything I see on Pinterest. I will connect with my customers. I will learn Google+. I will remember everything I post stays online.

By mid-January, we often discover there is no time to be present everywhere online and any new goal set for Facebook or Twitter or Google+ or Pinterest or LinkedIn is often abandoned. Instead of making a list of activities, look at your social networking behavior and change your mindset. A mindset shift makes goals easier to reach. Why?

Theway we use the internet and our social web to communicate has changed how we behavior online. Today, 60 percent of all internet activity begins on a mobile device, according to statistics from the American Marketing Association. We are almost becoming comfortable giving more information about our daily activities then less. It is a habit for people to post what they like or dislike using a hashtag (#) whether it is about food, the news, politics or the weather. Others use the LIKE button habit on Facebook to connect instead of engaging with a comment. We worry about privacy and forget everything we post online is public. Are you becoming addicted to creating a digital story about your life without thinking? Are you speaking like a brand by broadcasting what is for sale and not listening to your customers? Only you know those answers while others see your behavior.

Have we forgotten social networking is a two-way street? Imagine a new mindset where connecting and engaging with people is a more honest and powerful way to communicate rather than broadcasting everything happening in your life or business. Everything you do online sends a message. This includes if you do not have a presence online. It is important to take a mindful approach to your online presence in 2015.

Here are some suggestions for both your personal or business activity. Look at what people see about you. Do a Google search for you name and company. Look at what people say. Have a conversation to engage with your friends and customers rather than broadcasting. Listen to what your friends and customers are saying about themselves and your business competition. Add learning to your social media activity. Schedule time to read, take classes or webinars. Most people learn by doing and making mistakes. If something worked for you once, it may not be working now. Howwe use social media sites changes how they work. Focus on one social network that works for you. Shift your activity to listening and engaging to discover more about your friends and customers in your social networking world in 2015. See you next online.

Emily Medvec (buysantafehomes.com) is a Realtor with Keller Williams. To sell or buy real estate, call her at 505-660-4541. Emily’s other passion is how social networking changes how we communicate. Connect with her at Facebook/LiveLoveSantaFe and on Twitter at @emilymedvec.