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Tag: social media (page 2 of 3)

What I’ve learned in 3 years of blogging

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been blogging for 3 years now. I’ve loved interacting with you guys, building this community of people, and processing my thoughts out loud. Thanks for giving me grace to think and grow all along the way.

I’ve learned lots of lessons over the past 3 years. Many I’ve had to learn the hard way. Hopefully I can save you some frustrations.

Lessons I’ve learned in 3 years of blogging.

1. The more honest, the better.

People will connect with you more over your honesty and transparency than they ever will over your victories and moral platitudes. My posts that have gotten the most positive feedback have been the ones where I’m gut-level honest with my thoughts and experiences.

2. The more accessible, the better.

As I make myself accessible (here, on the blog, through comments), I find people appreciate that. To build community, you’ve got to build relationships.

3. Be generous.

The more ideas I share, resources I recommend, connections I make, and in general, the more I can give away, the more I always get in return.

4. It’s as much about ‘rhythm’ as it is ‘discipline.’

I hear lots of guys say that blogging is a discipline. And I get that. But I like to look at blogging and see where it fits in the rhythm of my life. Rather than ‘disciplining’ myself, I’d rather it be a flow of my life. I’ve found more joy and inspiration having a blogging rhythm than having a blogging discipline.

5. Put in the work now and you can reap the benefits later.

I can look back and snag some great, well thought out ideas. Someday, I just might write a book. You know where I’ll turn first for my good ideas? The archives. And it’s because I have put lots of work into so many posts.

6. Just publish.

Some days, my thoughts aren’t fully developed or perfect or polished. But I just have to “publish” anyway. It’s better to float ideas and thoughts out there, and synthesize them as you go, than to every single thought fully planned out before completion.

7. I enjoy writing.

I really do. I’ve found it a great avenue to flesh out my thoughts.

8. It’s about quality posts more than ‘technique’.

I’ve read articles on blogging technique, SEO, key words, timing, consistency, and focus. And while those things are important, don’t forget to write quality posts! If you write good stuff, Google will find you.

9. Mixing up the type of posts I write (video posts, social media, theology, etc.) is as helpful for me as it is enjoyable for readers.

Writing the same kinds of posts every day gets boring. So I mix up the categories, the style, and the focus to keep things fresh, both for the readers and for my own creativity.

10. I have no idea what it really takes to write a post that’s going to take off.

I have written about this before HERE…and it’s still true. The posts I feel will take off…fall flat. The ones I write on a whim go viral. I default back to #8 and #9 (above)

11. I’m not done.

And neither is blogging. Blogging is a great tool, and our culture is continuing to turn to blogs for information, ideas, and insights. I’m definitely not done.

If you’ve read my blog at any point over the past 3 years…thanks. Keep sharing your thoughts, experiences, and insights. Keep leading well, changing, and growing.

I hope I’ve helped you on your journey in some small way.

15 social media etiquette rules

May 30, 2011 / Ben Reed / 1 Comment

Just as common sense isn’t common, neither is etiquette. Especially in social media.

image by BioInsights

Here’s a general rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say it in a normal conversation, don’t say it on social media.

Scratch that.

If you don’t have common sense, appealing to reason, and asking you to exercise common sense, won’t work. Just take a look at my social media etiquette rules below.

The 15 rules of social media etiquette

1. Thank someone for ReTweet-ing you. Especially if they share one of your posts with their followers. If you don’t, it’s the equivalent of someone saying, “Great job on that speech!” …and you glancing them in the eye, then turning and walking away.

2. Create stuff. Don’t just be a commenter.

3. Comment on stuff. Don’t just be a creator.

4. Enter the conversation regularly. Not just as a response to someone engaging you.

5. Don’t make it all about you, your book, your blog, your podcast, or your life. Even if you are that awesome, we don’t want to hear about it all of the time.

6. ReTweet, ReTweet, ReTweet. Be copious with your ReTweet-ing.

7. If you’ve got something mean to say, say it via DM. Don’t publicly say something everyone can see. Reword it to make it a constructive criticism, not just a destructive one.

8. Keep your blog posts short. If I wanted to read a book, I’d have bought a book.

9. Don’t auto-Direct Message me. Ever.

10. If I want to read your blog, I’ll read your blog. No need for you to DM me about it. Especially when it’s already in your profile bio.

11. Give more than you receive.

12. Don’t ask me to ReTweet your post. Create better content so I’ll be compelled to ReTweet it without being asked.

13. Build relationships. It’s called “social” media for a reason.

14. Don’t vent on social media. It’s unflattering.

15. Don’t be an auto-bot. Of course, if you’re an auto-bot, you’re probably not reading this post, so this last point is unhelpful. Sorry.

Any other social media etiquette I missed?

Twitter Spam

May 10, 2011 / Ben Reed / 2 Comments

Image from BusinessGrow.com

I was followed by a gardening site right after I tweeted about my own garden recently.

Lame?

Maybe not.

The reason I am quick to say that it may not be spam is because they simply followed me. Didn’t send me a direct message promoting their site, or pushing me to their Facebook account. They just subtly let me know that they’re out there. No in-my-face marketing. And you know what, when I need help, I’ll likely refer back to their site.

Drive-by spammer?

I saw this acted out in real life while driving through my neighborhood.

I saw a professional landscaper stop and help a couple that was trying to get their tiller started. Apparently they were having a tough time, and this guy knew what he was doing. He was being generous. Not to get business. Not so he could drop off his business card, and subtly drop hints that he was the best landscaper in town. But just because he had a bit of expertise and a few minutes to help this older couple figure their tiller out.

Social media is the same way. You’ve got an expertise. Maybe you’re a landscaper. Maybe you’re a mom. Maybe you’re a theologian or a comedian or a runner. You’ve got some expertise in something.

That’s your angle.

Use that as your platform. Give away your knowledge, stories, insights, failures, and successes. Because somebody else wants to know what you know. Your words will be priceless to them.

And in their time of need, you know where they’ll turn first?

Google.

And when they turn to Google, they’ll find you. You’ll be that guy that drove by at exactly the right time.

So tweet, blog, facebook, and share with the world your expertise.

We need you.

When you begin to see social media (and life as a whole) as a way to be generous with your gifts, passions, and expertise, we all benefit. You included.

5 ways to create trust online

April 26, 2011 / Ben Reed / 9 Comments

For any leader, creating trust is essential.

Merriam-Webster.com defines “trust” as “reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something : one in which confidence is placed.” So creating that trust in relationships formed is crucial for the growth of the organization that you lead. And when it comes to social media, trust is absolutely crucial. Since you’re one voice among millions, you get one shot with potential followers. One eye-grabbing tweet. One game-changing blog post. And if you don’t capture people there, you’ve likely lost them forever. Hate it if you want, but that’s the game.

Without trust, people won’t follow you. Well…they’ll follow you for a little while. But positional leadership will only get you so far. With trust, you can develop healthy, robust communities.

5 ways to create trust online

Consistency – I’ve given up on trying to figure out which posts are going to do well and which aren’t. I’ve resorted to this: post consistently. I’m bound to strike a nerve with someone at some point.
Quality – Add value, create discussion, spark interest, share an idea, encourage change, or share your story. If it’s anything less, then why post?
Honesty – people are looking for transparency and relate-ability…not just someone who has got it all together. Don’t just tweet the good things…tweet the bad ideas, the failed initiatives, and ways you’ve struggled.
Generosity – it’s not just all about you, promoting your stuff, making a name for yourself. It’s also not just about giving products away. Give away ideas, encouragement, and insights.
Uniqueness – if you start something new, then you are, by nature, unique in that area. If you’re jumping into an existing area, let your platform set you apart from the rest of the pack. Your story’s not the same, your passions aren’t the same, your job’s not the same, and your family’s not the same. Don’t try to be me, and I won’t try to be you.

Trust is essential in building any relationship. Social media is no different.

What am I missing? How do you build trust? Jump in the conversation HERE!

The anticipation

April 20, 2011 / Ben Reed / 9 Comments

I love being a dad.

It’s not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s good.

And one thing that we as a family love is laughing together. And one way I personally promote that is by tickling my son. It makes both of us laugh hysterically.

I don’t know if you’ve ever tickled a 2-year old, but it’s pretty funny. It’s hard not to laugh along with them.

And I noticed this the other day: my son starts laughing before I even tickle him.

I just curl up my hand, like I’m going to tickle him…and just get it close to his belly, and he starts to cringe up in laughter. And it’s not one of those courtesy chuckles. It’s an all-body laughter.

The anticipation plays into his overall tickle experience.

And I’m convinced that Sunday mornings are similar.

From week to week, we should be building anticipation as to what’s coming next time. Whether that’s through

sermon series
serving opportunities
small group/Sunday alignment
emails saying, “Get ready…”
social media connections
website resources
mixing things up on Sundays so people really don’t know exactly what to expect
building relationships that encourage continued gathering with other believers

We should be thinking, “What’s encouraging our folks to come back next week?”* Is there a reason for a newcomer (who may or may not be a follower of Christ) to return? How are you communicating to them that coming back next week is vital? Are you following up throughout the week?

If you believe that the message you’re presenting is valuable, why would you not create tension and anticipation for what’s coming next?

TV shows do it. Movies do it. Radio talk shows create it. Teachers create it. Guys who want a second date build it.

If you want a second round with a visitor, you’ve got to build anticipation.

How are you building anticipation?

Should we build anticipation, or should the message simply speak for itself, standing alone?

*Before you leave theologically charged comments, let it be known…I believe that God is the one who draws and changes hearts. He is the Motivator. It’s his kindness that leads us to repentance. I just don’t want anything to get in the way of that, if I can help it.

Social media as Amuse Bouche

April 12, 2011 / Ben Reed / 2 Comments

Recently, my wife and I ate at a 5-star restaurant. It was a fantastic experience. you can read about it HERE.

For the first time, I started the meal off with an amuse bouche.

I had to Google it.

Amuse bouche is, according to Wikipedia HERE, a small, bite-sized hors d’oeuvres. Sounds pretty…un-filling, right?

It was.

But that wasn’t the point.

The point was for the chef to show his artistry and skill in combining flavors, textures, and temperature. It was for him to put his heart and soul into one bite, so that you take that bite and instantly see his skill, care, precision, and love of food.

And I’m pretty sure that social media is quite similar.

Social media as amuse bouche

Communicate more through communicating less. With Twitter, you have 140 characters. On my blog, I try to keep it less than 500 words. And that doesn’t mean that you can’t communicate much…it means that you’re required to craft your message to be consumed in one bite. So that, in one pass, a reader comprehends your message and knows what you’re calling them to.

It’s not intended to be a full meal. Don’t think that you have to flesh out a thesis in social media. Communicate one message clearly, and be okay with the fact that you’re not going to be able to dispel all arguments in 140 characters. That can’t be your goal…you don’t buffet-style an amuse bouche. If the thought takes more time and words to develop, consider spreading the post(s) out over the course of a few weeks. Think: bite-sized.

Pour your heart and soul into the effort. You only get one shot. One bite. One read. If you don’t capture their attention quickly, they’re gone, moving on to someone who has perfected the craft better than you. Highlight your artistry and creativity.

Use multiple ingredients that don’t apparently go together. In an amuse bouche, artistry is highlighted when the chef pairs flavors and textures that one wouldn’t naturally pair. Social media is strong when you challenge people to think differently about each aspect of life, drawing truth from environments and situations that others may overlook.

Do you tend to ingest social media in broad, quick passes?

Do you create social media knowing that this is how it’s consumed?

The new social media

March 18, 2011 / Ben Reed / 4 Comments

This is a guest post by Jeremy Chandler, social media director at Souls 4 Souls, a charity that collects shoes and distributes them around the world. Jeremy is all over Twitter and Facebook.

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Let’s go back a few years to when you first started noticing the potential social media could have (circa 2006). Back to the days when the idea of creating a community of friends in a digital world excited you. Remember the days you actually had to ask someone if they were on Facebook?

Social Media not only connected us with friends from high school and new acquaintances, but people around the world who shared our same interests. It was a new and easy way for us to bond together for something greater than ourselves. With social media, we had the power of a new collaborative technology to impact the world in a way we never had before. People were joining together on sites like Facebook Causes to partner together to make a greater impact in the world. And it was awesome.

Since then, there’s been a shift of sorts in the fundamental thinking about social media. As more and more people are getting into it, the less “social” it is becoming. Over time, the chance to become a social media rock star has captivated our focus & intentions. It’s become more about the “me” than about the “we”.

The problem is that we’ve forgotten what made these elements so intriguing in the first place.

Think about it this way, when someone gives you a compliment in front of their friends in person, you don’t repeat what they just said about you or pull them off to the side & whisper thanks in their ear. Yet, in social media, we are quick to retweet nice words someone has said about us or send them a direct message saying thanks. I’m just as guilty as the next guy.

When we stop being social, we lose what this new media is all about. We’ve forfeited an opportunity to make a real difference in the world.

There is still hope. Jon Acuff has worked hard to develop his platform, but decided to use it to make a tangible difference in the lives of kids in India & Africa. TwitChange is an organization that is leveraging the fame celebrity twitter accounts have accrued to help nonprofits increase their impact.

So what does this mean for us? As social media continues to develop, no matter if its Facebook or Twitter or Quora, may we never forget the reason social media became so popular in the first place, and carefully guard against forfeiting something bigger than ourselves to make our name big.

What advice do you have about guarding yourself from social “ME”dia?

Have you seen how social media has become all about “Me”?

Blogging’s not cool anymore

March 17, 2011 / Ben Reed / 8 Comments

Blogging isn’t cool anymore.

There, I said it.

It seems that almost every person on the planet can say either, “I have a blog…” or, “I used to have a blog…”

You used to be cutting edge if you had a blog, back when the first ones launched in 1999. Now, in 2011, bloggers are a dime a dozen.

And there are so many mediocre blogs out there that if yours doesn’t significantly stand out, you’ll get lost among the noise. Here’s what I mean:

There’s no guarantee today that if you start a blog, it’ll become successful.

There’s no guarantee today that if you have a blog, it’ll continue to be successful.

And though this may frustrate you, it thrills me. It drives me to work harder, faster, more creatively, and more passionately. Creating art that is relevant, helpful, and sharable is difficult, given the level of noise that social media is creating in our world. But the product that successful bloggers are creating is getting better and better.

In the long run, the fact that blogging is difficult will make you a better writer, communicator, and artists (assuming you stick with it). And it will force better artists to step up and continue to create better art. And in the long run, the number of active blogs may decrease. And that competition is good for the system.

People aren’t just clicking on blogs anymore. They’ve got to have a reason.

What reason(s) are you giving them?

Why should someone read and subscribe to your blog?

Tag: social media (page 2 of 3)

Lessons I’ve learned in 3 years of blogging.

image by BioInsights

The 15 rules of social media etiquette

Image from BusinessGrow.com

Drive-by spammer?

The social media monologue

Those who are using social media most effectively are starting conversations and building relationships.

For any leader, creating trust is essential.

5 ways to create trust online

Social media as amuse bouche

5 Reasons you should read Turn the World Upside Down

This is a guest post by Jeremy Chandler, social media director at Souls 4 Souls, a charity that collects shoes and distributes them around the world. Jeremy is all over Twitter and Facebook.

Blogging isn’t cool anymore.

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