If you are a Digital Mommy, then social media is a huge part of your life!
You blog, tweet on Twitter and share and connect on Facebook. How do you manage all of this and a family without getting overwhelmed, burned out or consumed?
Here are 6 steps to organize your time more effectively:
1. Use Simple Tools
Tweetdeck- I go back and forth with Tweetdeck. I love it because I can not only see my Twitter updates, but now i can also see Facebook updated as well. I don't like Tweetdeck because it slows down my computer. Other than that, love it!
Digsby is a great organizing tool that I am currently trying out. It combines email, IM, and social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
Gmail recently rolled out a new add on, so now you can Twitter, Facebook and read your email all in one place!
2. Communicate Effectivly
Many people make the mistake of sending out a lot of useless info and then they wonder why their followers drop like flies.
Make every message count. Did you just read a great article, a funny joke, something inspirational or write a new blog post? If so, share it! Forget sending out messages like, "forgot to buy milk at store, gotta go back out." No offence, but who cares?!
3. Skim, don't read
There is no way I could read every email I get, every blog post on my RSS or every tweet that passes by on Tweetdeck.
Be selective, skim for exciting topics and move along. Read the things that seem the most interesting.
4. Sick with only a handful of social media
Don't try to jugle Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging and forums. There is no way to stay connected to all of these networks without neglecting the most important ones. I gave up Myspace for Facebook and update LinkedIn once a week, but mainly stick to Twitter and blogging. I have almost completely given up on forums, but have two that I frequent due to the overwhelming awesome info... Momdot and Mompreneurs Online, but I'm there 1-2 times a week and I only skim and reply when need be.
5. Form close relationships with those of value
I have 3058 Twitter followers and follow 1877. Of all of the people I follow, I would say that their are about 20-30 people that I actually pay attention to. These are the people that make me laugh, provide great resources, inspire me and provide me with great conversation. Focus on building relationships with those people rather that EVERYONE.
6. Manage your time
Every day I have the same routine. I wake up, start the coffee, feed the baby, check my email and check and update my Twitter and Facebook accounts. Then I write a few blog posts, go to the gym, shower and then do thinks off of the computer like laundry, organizing, ect. I try to get my girls to the park or take them on a walk when it's nice outside.
It's easy to get caught up in "socializing," but you need to set limits and set a schedule. I know I've gone off schedule when I hear my daughter telling my husband, "Mommy has been on the computer ALL day." That's when the red flag raises and it's time to unplug and get back on track.
Setting a schedule, picking and choosing the best social media for YOU and staying on track will help you to balance you life and your loved ones lives as well. It will also help you to be more productive and more valuable to others looking for experts when choosing who to follow.
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