SMS: Social Media System

Have you committed to writing a blog, only to find that you don't quite write as often (or as well) as you'd like to? Or have you decided to use Twitter, only to find that you never really have much to say - let alone time to say it?

If so, then you're not alone. Here are three tips to help focus your writing... and then get it done.

1) Be clear about why you're doing it in the first place. Is it to promote a product or service? Showcase your expertise? Or some other reason? If you can't explain why you're doing it, then the task will find it's way to the bottom of your priority list. Set some goals!

2) Identify your audience - and their needs: Since you're only half of the conversation, you must know who your target audience is, and what will keep their interest. Only then do you have a chance to get their feedback... and the encouragement to continue.

3) Set up a trigger: This can be as simple as setting aside 20 minutes at a particular time each day to write. Or to write whenever a certain event occurs. The idea is to connect your writing time to something that naturally recurs in your schedule.

Interestingly, once you've done the thinking and have documented your system, then you are far more able to delegate the work to someone else, freeing your time for even higher-value activities.

This week's action item: This system (Goal/Audience/Trigger) is useful when it comes to any recurring activity - not just writing blogs or tweets. Writing minutes after a meeting, writing a press release before an event, or sending a thank you after a lunch date, are all examples that can benefit from this approach. This week, find at least one item that never seems to get done, and then apply this system to it.

Special Opportunity: Develop your online profile without wasting your time with my recently updated "Online PR and Social Media for Experts, Authors, Speakers and Consultants". As a special thank-you, get a 10% discount with the coupon-code HAPPEN. (coupon code expires January 31, 2010.)

Randall Craig is an expert on Career Planning, Networking, and Social Media; to find out how his workshops, webinars, and keynotes can help your team or add to your event, contact him through www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com, or by email at editor@ptadvisors.com.

Make It Happen Tipsheet
Comments or questions? let us know: editor@ptadvisors.com

Copyright © 2010 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: January 19, 2010