By ShaChena Gibbs
One of the challenges many entrepreneurs face with social media is that it can quickly take over their lives. Even if you’re using it for work, you must admit that sometimes it’s not truly productive—unless you’re engaging in money-making conversations. By focusing on productivity instead of just activity, you can achieve so much more in your day.
Here’s how to keep social media from overwhelming you:
- Schedule Time for Social Media
Don’t just check your social media whenever you feel like it. Create a plan with specific times and days dedicated to social media work. Sticking to a schedule is crucial to avoid getting sucked into the social media rabbit hole. Randomly checking social media gives your audience control over your time. For example, if you have your day planned and you check your messages or notifications, you can easily get caught up in someone’s live video.
Ask yourself: What are the three best times for you to post?
- Use Automation Smartly
Automating social media tasks can help you get the most out of your efforts without feeling overwhelmed. For instance, you can automate post scheduling so you don’t have to do it daily. Check your insights on each account to learn the best times to post for your audience, then schedule your posts accordingly. It might take a few attempts to get it right, but don’t give up.
Reflect: Which automation tools are you using?
- Focus on What Matters Most
When it comes to social media tasks, prioritize money-making activities first, followed by relationship building, and then personal activities. If you focus on whatever pops up when you check your social media, you’ll get distracted. Instead, have a clear plan of attack.
- Outsource
If you’re using social media for business, consider finding someone to help. There are many social media managers who can do the job effectively. If social media management isn’t your main money-making activity, let someone else handle it. Services like Fiverr.com offer experts who can do the work for you.
Consider: Are you going to outsource this task?
- Turn Off Notifications
This is my favorite tip. There should be times during your day when social media is completely off-limits. Whether you’re in a meeting, with your family, out with friends, or even in the bathroom, turn off notifications. Don’t look at social media outside of the times you’ve set.
Plan: When is the next life event you plan to turn off your notifications?
- Avoid Multitasking
Trying to do too much at once can lead to getting sucked into the social media cyber world because your brain needs a break. Instead, when you’re on social media, focus solely on your planned activities. When you’re with your family, be fully present with them.
- Don’t Lie to Yourself
Being “busy” often feels good—it feels like you’re accomplishing something. But not all busy activities are productive. It’s important to be honest with yourself about why you’re doing something.
Social media overwhelm can lead to a multitude of problems, including stress-related headaches from staring at screens and dealing with the constant influx of (often contradictory) information. By learning to schedule, delegate, automate, and plan, you can avoid social media overwhelm and reclaim control over your time and productivity.
Keep Rising,
ShaChena Gibbs,
Business Strategist
Real Sisters Rising Women Business Association
Meet ShaChena Gibbs, CEO and Founder of the Real Sisters Rising Women Business Association. ShaChena is an award-winning entrepreneur, educator, and association leader who has dedicated her efforts to helping businesses achieve their goals. She has over a decade of experience and is well-versed in the home-based business industry and the difficulties that businesses face on a daily basis. Her expertise spans market research, financial analysis, strategy formulation, and product development. She is a natural problem solver and leader with the ability to build strong relationships. ShaChena assists businesses in growing and is driven to make an impact in the world. www.realsistersrising.com