reading time: 3 minutes I hate to run. As a dancer, the idea of being forced to move in one, monotonous motion for any longer than 5 minutes gives me anxiety. However, I have always been very intrigued by running and the health benefits that come with it. I am envious of friends that casually partake in local 5ks. To me, it seems like an elite club to which I do not belong. I have never been a runner, and it seems too late to start. For many businesses, the idea of creating and implementing a social media strategy is equally as a daunting. Common excuses include, “But I’ve never done it before, “Other companies have bigger budgets,” or “I don’t know where to start.” Over the years I have discovered that there is only one way to overcome daunting tasks in life…jump in, get started, and keep showing up. Just like preparing for a 5K, social media success can be achieved by setting goals and following through. Prepare ahead of time. Just like with a 5K, you don’t want to show up to the social media race without having done your prep work. Your pre-race efforts should be organized and thoughtful. For the best results, I recommend spending some time learning where your target audience is “hanging out.” What kind of content do they read and share? What keeps them up at night? Listen to what’s being said in your industry. Then, get a plan together on how you will provide a resource for your customers and prospects. Line up—and start. Set your own, reachable goals. Many companies make the mistake of setting goals that are unrealistic. They create mile markers with only their competitors in mind. Do your own thing. When you create unobtainable goals, it’s easy to get discouraged and fall off the social media track when you don’t cross the finish line. Set your own pace based on where you are today and where you want to be. It’s not about speed, it’s about consistency. This race is not a sprint to the finish line—it’s a marathon. With each “lap” you are providing value to your reader, follower or fan—while building your brand’s visibility. Create a consistent schedule to manage your updates and stick to it in order to keep your social strategy in shape. This race is against yourself, not your competition. Let’s get real here, I know I may never cross the finish line first. But even though I realize I may not win a big race, that doesn’t mean I won’t participate. (First of all because the only way I know for SURE I won’t finish a big race is if I don’t START one). It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your social results with others in your industry. While competitive monitoring is a key component (just like in a race), it’s equally important to celebrate your own gains, no matter how big or small. Focus on your own social media strategies in order to keep it in shape. You’ll be surprised how fast you catch up to your competition! Monitor your success and make new goals. After you finish a 5K, you don’t just stop running until your next race. You continue to train, you keep pushing yourself, and you find ways to get better. With social media, you should constantly be reevaluating your strategy. Track your results. Set new goals. And celebrate when you cross a finish line! Fear holds us back from so many amazing opportunities. Except for an elite few, running a 5K is not about finishing first. It’s about running your best race, every time. My advice to those of you attempting to create or revamp your social media presence: go at your own pace, set your own goals, and conquer them one step at a time. Need help getting started? That’s why we’re here. Let us show you how to get in the race. photo credit: demandaj via photopin cc Share this:TwitterFacebook