Amplifying Your Social Media Sound

by Shannon Milholland

Social Media can be daunting by the sheer numbers alone. By the end of 2011, Facebook was approaching 800 million users. Each of us is just one voice. Doesn't it seem unlikely for that voice to be heard among millions? What if you could amplify your impact by adding 5, 10 or 20 additional voices to your social media choir?

In last week's post, we talked about how to build an effective social media group. This week we will explore where to find people to team up with.

Conferences - Professional gatherings are wrought with individuals pursuing your same dreams. Use your next conference not just to grow in your knowledge but to grow socially. Intentionally connect with as many people as possible and a natural group will form.

Local Affiliations - Do you belong to a writer's group, faith body or civic group? There are likely others in your community with whom you regularly interact that have a talent they are promoting through social media. Don't limit yourself just to authors. Artists, songwriters and nonprofits all use social media to further their message. Your team can be as homogeneous or heterogeneous as your community as long as you're committed to helping one another.

Smaller Social Media Sites - Within the larger sphere of social media, websites exist that aggregate individuals. Examples are BlogFrog and VoiceBoks. In these virtual worlds you can quickly target associations with others who are utilizing social media and team up together. The great aspect of cultivating online friendships is the diversity of locations. Your social media can go nationwide or even global overnight by connecting with like-minded individuals in a variety of locations.

All around us there are others who want and need help. Let's begin finding and cultivating those relationships so we can amplify our Social Media sound.
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Maybe you're feeling the tug at your heart, to head up a social networking group. Next week I will be interviewing the founder of VoiceBoks, Lexie Lane, who will share with us her tips for building and empowering social media teams.

The Social Media Groupie

by Shannon Milholland, Social Media Director

Groups. Cliques. Circles. Call them what you may but they exist - even in cyberspace. We tend toward our own kind.

Amish fiction with Amish fiction (Do you ever wonder if they hand write their manuscripts by candlelight?)

Nonfiction with nonfiction

Mystery with mystery

The idea of joining a group may cause a guttural reaction as you recall lonely middle school days when there was never a seat at the lunch table. Or the thought may energize since you're such an extrovert and writing is an introvert's sport. Whatever your reaction, may I make a case to become a joiner?

You will experience the greatest success in social media when others are blowing your horn. So find a tribe of 5-10 people with whom you want to band, pick up an instrument and start playing each other's tune. When you do, use these components to make your group a success:

Give - It may sound obvious but each group member must contribute. Good intentions don't compose tweets or Facebook posts, so choose individuals who have the capacity to be givers.

Receive - A healthy group also contains members who know how to receive. They thank instead of deflect attention, understanding that to receive someone's gift of help, brings joy to the giver. Go football here and get some wide receivers.

Open - A group solidifies when associations are made beyond the surface. Be willing to share with your group areas of struggle, personal difficulties and victories. As you wrestle through the mud of life and celebrate each achievement, your alignment and loyalty will benefit.

Unique - Each must contribute their individual talents to the group. Were you a copy editor early in your career? Give away some free editing to the group. Did you major in graphic design? Volunteer your skill to design one sheets and bios. Are you know for your speaking ability? Offer to review a speaking segment for each person and offer a couple of home run tips.

Persevere - You may not see instantaneous results. An effective group continues for an extended period to experience the long term benefits of relationship. So make adjustments as necessary but keep going and eventually you'll experience the power of a group.

Are you ready to find some running buddies? Next week we'll explore places to find them.
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