I want to introduce a theory called Social Mediology (social media + psychology). Let me explain. I have both a MBA and a minor in psychology, and over the past decade as I began to experiment with social media, I continued to see these two worlds merge. Everywhere I looked on social media, I saw yet another example of how psychology could explain what was going on with the people interacting there. Over time, it became more and more clear to me that psychology could provide insight into how people could increase their chance of success when building their businesses with social media.

In this Coaching Blog, I want to discuss a specific example of this.

Frequently during my one-on-one sessions, I’ll hear someone say:

I’m afraid of making a mistake. What happens if I publish something that ticks someone off and it affects my business? What if I sound stupid?

These are two very natural thoughts, and the primary emotion here is the fear of rejection.

It’s hardwired into our psyche that we gravitate towards negative messaging and our fears. It’s one of the main reasons for the survival of any species!

But like the moment when Indiana Jones takes his first step onto that invisible walkway in “The Last Crusade”, we sometimes have to take that first step with blind faith and here’s why:

No one knows what YOU know from YOUR perspective!!

We all have our own filters, experiences and talents that make up who we are and why people know, like and trust us. Your thoughts and opinions matter. That’s why you are successful! People WANT to hear from you. They want to know your perspective. When you aren’t sharing your insights, you’re actually depriving people from what they want!
Publishing your thoughts and perspectives position you as a thought leader (and you’ll convert more sales!).

I know it can be tough to put yourself out there and take a stand. Most of the time, we’re more comfortable in a face-to-face setting so people can understand the tone and context of our thoughts.

One of the most powerful aspects of social media is that you can reach all sorts of people that you cannot reach in a one-to-one setting. Social Media is “on” twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Think about the biggest problems and pains your clients have and share your thoughts or steps on how these problems can be solved.

The more you share, the better educated your clients are, and the more likely they will gravitate to you as the thought-leader who can handle their biggest challenges.

In this information-based economy, where anyone can Google anything –people don’t buy information, they buy implementation.

Everyone makes mistakes. EVERYONE. Even me.

You’ve probably heard anecdotes about how often the most successful people have “failed” in their life. Every time we “fail” we are further one step closer to success.

I use “fail” in quotation marks because as I have learned through my business experience, there is no failure, there is only feedback.

Simply looking at failure as feedback certainly takes the weight off!

The first time I had to speak in public, I was very nervous. So was the first time I clicked “send” on my very first blog post in this coaching site. After many speaking engagements and even more blog posts, I no longer fear “putting myself out there”.

My message may not be the right fit for everyone, and that’s OK. I only want to work with and align my business with the people who DO “get me”.

Success with anything is built over time. Keep at it, and I promise you’ll find your groove.

I am a big Gary Vaynerchuk fan. If you don’t know him, look him up. He has many great inspirations, but one of my favorites is: 

“I respect my haters.” 

This takes the power away from those who “troll” and leave negative comments. If they aren’t slugging it out in the ring day-to-day, doing what you do, then they have no right to comment.

I’m completely open to opposing views, and you should be too – it’s great to start a healthy dialogue. I certainly don’t have all the answers. I only have answers for what’s true to me and the feedback of others is valuable. 

Another common popular misconception is that when you are publishing content, no one is actually listening, but you’ll be surprised as to how many people actually DO pay attention to what you have to say.

Less than 1% of the population actually engage online. So even if they aren’t providing feedback, people are reading what you have to say.

Who knows….the one message you share today, could really make a huge impact on someone else’s tomorrow – so get started!

In conclusion, 

Have confidence in your ideas and stop overthinking it!