Screw Etiquette
Blogs and social media have become a hub of interaction, event and life sharing. They can be in so many forms, and are now being used as a way in for potential new connections, clients and friends.
However, an etiquette has come into play, saying “you can’t write that” or “you shouldn’t share this” which can make the writer feel concerned that their passionate and probably controversial piece may create a buzz around it that may be seen in both positive and negative lights.
I say, screw it. Why? Blogs and social media, for many of us, are the way for us to engage with others outside of our business, which can sometimes be a very isolated space.
Blogs are a place where we can share our achievements, thoughts and reactions to the news/events and so much more. You may be writing a blog and think, I may just save that to drafts – it’s just a bit too controversial, someone may disagree. I say screw it.
You don’t have to post them, I’m just saying don’t hold yourself back, the most well-received pieces I have written have been the ones that have been from personal events or achievements. Why? Because people can usually relate to them.
Blogs are also a place where we can vent our thoughts; share our beliefs and our values. It can be a fantastic release for us as business owners, especially when we have few people to chat with in our own office (which is sometimes just you and the window, or the dog in my case!) so I can write a long-winded blog, cut it down so it can make sense to others and feel the excitement flow through the text. I may be the only one here, but I love reading blogs that have been sparked by a disagreement with the news or laws coming into play. I will usually comment on pieces that have come from a person’s achievements or a related piece to something they have done, because they are the most passionately written.
When you have written this piece or have decided to schedule updates to your social media profiles that make you think “should I?” read them and think, if this was from someone else how would you respond? Would you be warmed to that person? Would you be able to relate and want to comment? It may create debates (which are fantastic for your website as you know!), it may cause more people to get in touch with you personally to share their own thoughts – fantastic.
So screw etiquette, share that blog you thought was just too controversial or too personal and see how your contacts react, embrace them and probably follow suit.
Thanks Hannah. The message then is, just do it. Act now and seek forgiveness later…
Thanks Andy, yep, just get on with it! ;)
Asking for forgiveness rather than permission is much more fun.
Also if you are not living on the edge you take up too much room….
Thanks Hannah ;-)