Social Media

By: Kathleen Ries-Jubenville   |    Read time: 3 minutes

Are you actively engaged in social media to market your business? I am just getting started on social media to develop my business, so I am thinking about my various observations and opinions of it. An awareness of my feelings may help me overcome any blocks in my mindset and develop a strategy for success.

My prayer:  "God, what do you want me to know or learn today?"

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you." - Proverbs 9:7-8, NIV

Why I have stayed away from social media:

1. I've always thought of myself as a private person, so I haven't wanted to post my life's events publicly. I also thought of it as inappropriate to post pictures of other people in case they didn't want to be seen online either. This has been especially important to me regarding my kids. I think about how public photos, videos, and comments about their childhood may impact them in the future. Perhaps they will want to be a public figure, like a celebrity or politician. Perhaps a potential employer will do an online search. Or maybe my post would embarrass them today with their friends. I just didn't see any reason to put myself or anyone else out there and risk a negative repercussion.

2. I also avoid things that waste my time. Time is a very limited resource and I value it. I watch TV and play games and do other things to relax.  But I try to have fun intentionally so I don't end up using it as a way to avoid work. I'm not perfect...I occasionally get lost in my social media feed and wonder why I have watched videos of cats (or babies, or cats with babies) for over an hour. And that's the other reason I have avoided social media. I viewed it as a waste of the precious minutes of my life. Many posts are silly or pointless and many comments are negative and nasty. I never wanted to participate in this or be the recipient of it.

Why I am embracing social media now:

1. I will continue to be respectful of other people's privacy. However, I understand now that social media is a powerful tool for sharing ideas and wisdom and for creating community. It is the possibly the best way today to make the largest impact in the world. I am learning that part of the reason I am a "private person" is because I am also a "people pleaser". When I state my opinions online, I am taking a stand on issues and will, by default, offend somebody. I am also learning that, unless I speak up with courage, I will continue to play small in the world. I don't believe that's why God has led me to this place in my life now. I believe He created me with purpose to share my experiences with others - to support and encourage them. I need to go public to accomplish this mission.

2. I started following people who were putting useful content on social media: inspirational posts and creative ideas and great advice and valuable insights. These thought leaders made an impact on me. And I noticed groups of people were connecting to encourage each other and train for bigger and better things in their lives and in the world. That's when I realized social media is a powerful tool. A tool that some people use to build things up and others use to tear them down. And, just like any tool, there is a skillset to be developed to use it properly. I feel it is my obligation to use every tool available to me to get my message into the world.

What I learned today:

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you." - Proverbs 9:7-8, NIV

I have started my social media learning process. I am going to use my time and my voice to teach the people who are eager and willing to learn (the wise). And, I'm going to ignore the people who mock me. I am going to stop hiding myself to avoid bothering or provoking others. It doesn't mean I will be rude - in fact, I want to be loving with others. It just means I'm going to stop filtering who I am through the lens of what I imagine other people want or expect from me. I am going to start placing a higher value on the unique creation I am. I am going to stop playing small and start roaring like a lion!