Be Someone They Can Envy

Many fascinating discussions have happened over the years with my best friend, we met when I moved to New York City in 1992 and have remained close ever since. She is a deep thinker with very specific opinions on pretty much everything. She is a leader, a trendsetter and against all things mainstream. This is a woman who knows who she is, what she wants and what she’s talking about. She’s always been this way. I’m not saying we agree on everything, we don’t. I’m also a woman of strong opinions. But when it comes to asking her for advice, I know she will have a definitive answer. When it comes to her thoughts on social media, she believes one can not maintain an audience unless they become someone the audience will envy and want to emulate.
Unfortunately for you dear reader, I’m probably not that person. My exploits on social media started in 2000. I’ve been making mistakes publicly ever since. I was naive and didn’t have a plan when I started dabbling on the internet. I, like most people then, did not have a concept of what the internet would become. We had no idea the impact of the medium or how far reaching our words and images would go. Without fully realizing it, the world (well beyond our friends and family), was invited into our personal lives. I know I shared my wedding, the birth of my child, they watched him grow up, they saw his first days of school, class projects, holidays, Halloween costumes... all of it. It was happening in real time through my blog, Facebook and website.
So while you should not follow my path, I can now offer you the wisdom of decades of experience. In typical Mom fashion I suggest you do as I say, not as I’ve done. I’m older and wiser now. I can tell you that my best friends advice is key for you up and coming social media mavens. FYI. The credentials of best friend? Not only is she gorgeous, ageless and perfect in every way, she was also a trend setter for a popular New York fashion magazine for many years and a fashion stylist to the stars. She is currently wealthy, living comfortably in the country, raising two beautiful babies, running a successful property management company on the side and still practicing her lifelong discipline of ballet. She's Amazing. So listen to her! Figure out your brand before you begin your entrance into Social Media. A business plan is a very good idea. Know your market, your end goal, and then, only then, when you have all your ducks in a row, are you ready to launch yourself into the social media sphere. Remember, Be Authentic but also Be Someone They Can Envy! The followers will follow. Good luck!