Sometimes it gets tiresome trying to explain to people why they should use Twitter. Usually, when I find myself doing this kind of convincing, I’m talking to someone who’s such a huge doubter of social media that they won’t see the value until they actually start using it, anyhow.
So I loved this post from Miriam at Keppie Careers about why you should use Twitter. Essentially, she considered a guy’s pitch — one she might otherwise have deleted — because she knew him from Twitter. This is a perfect example of why it’s worthwhile to put time and effort into growing your social media network.
Using social media strategically is one of the best ways to make your own luck. At your book launch, you’ll be “lucky enough” to land reviews with book bloggers and interviews with niche blogs and maybe even some plugs in stories by traditional media outlets. Or when it comes time to look for your next job, you’ll be “lucky enough” for opportunities to come to you, rather than having to look for openings. Or when you start your freelance business, you’ll be “lucky enough” to quickly build up a client base. Your luck will kick in because you set those wheels in motion months, even years before, by making smart connections over social media.
So start making those connections now, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Down the road, you’ll feel lucky you did.
Want to learn how to use social media to reach your goals? Check out my online course, Make Your Own Luck.
Very true! Social Media is a great way to have control over your own destiny (or create your own “luck”).
Alexis – Thanks for the shout out! I feel the same way about trying to convince people to use Twitter; it gets tiresome!
Your point about “setting wheels in motion” is so important and something “just in time” business owners, authors, and job seekers have trouble appreciating. While Twitter doesn’t bring me all of my clients, I am pleased to say most of my big, important “lucky breaks” came as a direct result of using Twitter. These were mostly in the form of connecting and following up (in person, on line, or on the phone) with people I “met” by exchanging tweets.
That would have been a lot of business potential to give up had I not overcome my own initial hesitation regarding Twitter!