Simply Organized Online

A struggle I've heard as I entered this interactive social media industry is:


"I get so sucked in by Twitter"

Boy, can I see how easy that is {I even do it sometimes!}


While I'm NOT going to tell you "do X, Y, Z" I WILL give you some suggestions to consider & then leave it up to YOU to see if they fit.


Something I'm considering doing is "Twitter Hours" just like how I would create "Office Hours" or "Family Time".


The thing with Twitter is, it capitalizes on our ability {or lack thereof} to multi-task. So, in our super-hero ego we think "I can do that". Truth be told ... can you really?


Sure there are things I can multi-task like talking to the kids while doing dishes on one foot while I ward the dog off from the dishwasher with the other foot. But honestly, is that how I would choose to do it? Probably not.


My recommendation would be to evaluate what you could "partner" with your Twitter habit that allows you to participate while doing something else {not so mentally taxing}. 


For example: 

• having your morning cup of coffee {or evening glass of wine}
• taking your daily walk
• eating lunch
• waiting {for kids after school or at the Dr.'s office}

Then, separately set aside some time during your day/week that is "Twitter Social Hour" time where you completely focus on conversations.


Notice this strategy puts you back in the driver's seat? But it will also require self discipline. 


During the non-Twitter hours {this is going to be the hard part} turn off your automatic notifications. 


Don't worry the screeching tires & car crashing noises you just heard were in your head ~ no one is really hurt.


But isn't that kind of the point of us staying plugged in? We don't want to miss anything OR accidentally hurt someone's feelings because we didn't respond to them {right away}?


So here's the concept ~ let your tweeps know that you're going offline for awhile AND when you expect you'll be back online. {kind of like how those "will return at:" clock hangers are on storefront doors}


While offline, or otherwise lovingly referred to as "going dark", plug into what you're doing. If you're hanging out with your kiddos ~ look into their eyes while they're talking to you, if you're working on a research project ~ focus on your intentions & stay in sites that help you complete what you're doing.


I would love to hear some feedback here! What strategies are you already using? What tools help you the most? How do you feel about "going dark"? 


Looking forward to the conversation!


april