In the past I have referred to my online self as my “digital self.”
Maybe you have too?
The thing is, with the way technology is today, online is just an extension of who we really are.
Socializing
I remember back when I first got an email address. We were told not to use our real names and keep it something that would not give away our true identity.
That’s the reason we have people who still use Buttercup291847572…@aol.com.
Yeah…professional…
Anyways, the point is that we are no longer separated by our online identity and our “real life” self. They are, and should be, one in the same and that mindset can help us to accomplish true connection with social media.
The 3 Keys to Social Media Dominance
1. Be You
I can’t stress enough that you have to be YOU. No one else will do. You are not two.
Okay, enough with the rhyming. But, you seriously can’t be anyone other than who you really are.
Don’t expect to act one way online and another off. Don’t write about something because you think it will bring you more traffic than what you’re truly passionate about.
The idea of a tribe is find the people that care deeply about the same things you do. That is the whole point. If you’re trying to talk to masses, you might as well take out an ad during the Super Bowl. (That you’ll need a loan to do…which I never advocate.)
Be you. There is only one.
2. Have Integrity
Honestly, I’m pretty stoked at the number of awesome people I’ve found. So far, I haven’t had any major run-ins with people being total jerks.
But I assure you, they are out there. Lurking. These are the people you can only trust as far as you can throw them.
Integrity will make you or break you. It will build you up, or destroy you. It’s all in how you use it.
I think people, by nature, are trusting. Don’t break that. If you say you’re going to do something, by all means, do it.
If you feel someway about something, tell them. Okay, maybe ask if they want your advice first, then tell them. We shouldn’t be afraid to be ourselves and stand up for our beliefs online or off.
To do so is an integrity issue.
3. Give
There have been so many people that have given their time and attention to me, I’m floored. To think that I didn’t know any of the poeple I talk to, almost on a daily basis, just a few months ago, is weird.
They gave to me their attention, their time, their expertise. In turn, I give mine.
The Internet is all about giving these days. Sharing information, giving stuff away, sharing some more…that’s what it’s all about.
Don’t hold back.
The Takeaway
More often than not, we strive for something in life for a reason. We use our abilities to reach, teach and share.
Social media is no different.
It’s nothing more than an extension of who we are.
Us in digital world is no different than us in real world. We are one in the same and we all have a mission.
Remember, your gift…is a gift.
What has social media taught you about these things? Would you say they are the keys or is there more to it?
Totally agree with you Jared, esp #1. You won’t be able to keep up with such a ‘lie’. You’ll have all this weird pressure, get mad at others and burn out super-fast!
Definitely. Thanks!
I think we have all seen how giving away quality free content is important when it comes to gaining influence and building a tribe of like minded people. Great points here.
Jared, giving is key. I know that enjoy all the free resources that I can get my hands either to improve my writing, or expand my social reach. Giving is key. It goes hand in hand with serving others.
Absolutely!