While I have never considered myself a social media expert – I do know something about the importance of consistent experiences. That said, on the social media front I would rather not get a report card. I am certain that in the comments section of a social media grade report I would see words scrawled in big red letters essentially saying “Needs to Exert More Regular Effort.”
While I have my share of excuses for checking out of consistent posting ( the death of my wife in February, the death of my mother in June, a new book to be released in September, the beginning of research for yet another book, a hectic speaking schedule, blah, blah, blah), the truth is my social media posts have been (to be overly kind) sparse. The challenge for all of us in this time-pressured world, rich with technological advances and increasing instant communication demands, is to determine what arenas fit our personalities and resources.
These decisions are made more complex for some of us who have tried to monetize our time investment. For example, should I be writing a blog or producing marketing materials for the launch of Leading the Starbucks Way? Should I be tweeting or sending out emails to my consulting clients? In the context of these challenges, I personally have routinely let my social and blog opportunities slip – essentially affecting the experience of those who have so kindly given their time by reading blogs, posts or tweets.
Finally at the Michelli Experience, we have come to grips with a truth my momma taught me long ago, “do something well or go home.” That’s “mommaspeak” for if you aren’t willing to take the time to do something with passion stop pretending to do it. Rather than giving up on blogging and tweeting, my team and I have decided to add some additional resources to drive the consistency you deserve (to that end we welcome Denielle D’ Ambrosio to our crew). In fact, starting next week we will begin a weekly blog series offering tidbits from Leading the Starbucks Way – in advance of launch.
While we struggle with our inconsistency demons, I wonder if you can identify similar challenges. What areas of your business fall into neglect as other demands emerge? Are there some areas from which you need to withdraw or others to which you need to add resources?
The great painter Salvador Dali once said “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” For me, I would like to at least to be a little less imperfect and a little more consistent tomorrow. How about you?
