This past spring, I attended a social media course put on by the Canadian Marketing Association. I'm obviously smart enough to realize the incredible impact of social media and recognize that my avoidance isn't likely going to work out in my professional favour. After a day of discussion, I came home with some interesting insights and a book called "Six Pixels of Separation" by Mitch Joel. I finally cracked open the book a little over a month ago but I'll admit it's going slow. I get about a few pages done before I fall asleep at night.
Somewhere in this book (I just recently started to dog ear my book and write notes in it, now that I have this new exciting project on the go), it says that you should be part of the online community. And it also says that you should be decisive in terms of both your expectations, and the reader's expectations. In other words, don't start a blog and write in it twice a day only to not show up again after a few weeks hiatus. So.....for ALL my readers (tee hee) who eagerly await my next entry......I am creating a manageable, and seemingly acceptable expectation of once a week. Sound good? (On a completely hilarious note, my equally social media avoiding friend thinks she signed up for my blog, but doesn't know for sure...too funny.)
Why am I an avoider? I resent the amount of time it takes to be connected that in depth. Sure I know a lot more about stuff, but does it all really enrich my life at the end of the day? I can barely keep up with the family and friends that I really truly love to see! It also makes me feel a little like life is passing me by. The next best new thing is already come and gone and replaced before I even catch wind of it! Plus, when it comes to technology I am NOT an early adopter. If I want to know how something techy works, I ask my husband. He loves the latest greatest gadgets. I could care less if what I have still works. And to partake in a large portion of social media, you need to be able to roam around freely in the tech world - at least that is my perception as an avoider. I suppose I don't want to read the '500 page instructional manual.' I'd rather avoid it.
All that said, I am committed to using the Gap in my resume to learn about this new channel. I can accept it for work, and am starting to enjoy a teeny bit for fun too.
Why the Gap? Learning opportunity.
CS
You're falling behind, some of us are going on and checking this you know!
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