Social networks sure do have their uses. You can build relationships with your community and grow your business. And, if you want to say on the cutting edge of technology, mastering social networking is essential.
With all the plusses to using social networks, you definitely want to be active on the platforms that you choose. But, you may have also realized by now that it be a total time suck.
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Nod your head if this is true for you:
Someone tags you in a Facebook post. You immediately stop what you’re doing to go check it out and like or comment. Two hours later, you’re STILL on Facebook just scrolling away!
You may feel guilty or you may try to rationalize the time – after all, you’re relaxed and having fun. How can this be a bad thing?
Unless you’re a social media manager or make money from scrolling through Facebook without a plan, you’re not making the most of your precious time.
Social media is too valuable a tool for most small business owners to stop using. But that doesn’t mean you have to be consumed by it. Learn how to manage your social platforms more effectively by following these social networking productivity tips.
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Track your time with Apps
You may be surprised to know how much time you’re really spending on networks like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Try installing time tracking software like Toggl on your laptop or work computer to monitor your social activity and even the time you take to perform work tasks.
Using a time tracking app forces you to acknowledge your social media habits so you can adjust those habits as needed.
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Sign Out
Log completely out of your accounts after you’ve been active there. It will be harder for you to want to check in for just a bit when you have to re-enter your username and password each and every time.
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Schedule Downtime
It has become the norm to use social networks for entertainment or “chill time”. This is all well and good but if you’re taking multiple breaks during your work day to jump on social media, you won’t be very productive.
Why not schedule a specific time in the day for your downtime? You could schedule time from 7 -9 pm or 8 pm to 2 am if you like. Just try not to make it at the time when you’re most alert – that time should be for client work or working on your business.
Having a schedule in place will help you feel more in control and boost your productivity. Always keep in mind that the world won’t stop because you don’t comment on every post right away.
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Turn off Notifications or Access
This is my favorite! I’m an introvert so it’s natural to me to “hide” LOL. Also, and quite honestly, I’m too lazy to log out and log back into my apps every day 😒.
But here’s the thing: a huge productivity killer is constantly “checking in” on social media. You know it’s not healthy, I know it’s not healthy, so what can we do about it?
If you feel you’re dependent on SM, it’s time to detox and replace the habit with a productivity-inducing one!
Start by turning off notifications for an hour or two. You’ll be amazed at the volume and quality of work you’ll get done.
At first, you may not be able to get this done on your own (no judgment – been there) so if you can’t find the willpower to block off time yourself, find an app to help you out.
If you work offline – for example, if you’re an artist or crafter, you can find an app to shut down your internet access for a specific time too. Then the only way to regain access is to shut off your device and restart your operating system. Easy! All you have to do then is get your work done ( :
Fit social media into your day, not the other way round
Let’s face it. We can all learn to work more productively and use social networks wisely.
Do yourself (and your business) a favor and schedule time specifically for social networking. For me, it’s best if I go in twice a day – in the morning and again in the evening. Work out what’s best for you.
Yes, social networks are valuable marketing tools, however, to get the most value from them, you’ll want to set yourself up for success by laying out clear guidelines and sticking to them as best you can so you stay productive.
Stay on track with a planner you can customize to suit your needs. Get the Slay Your Goals Planner right here.
