Social Media with No Safety Net: Being Unafraid to Fail
Old Familiar Ways
So many people use the all-familiar pattern of headline, link, and hashtag on their social media posts. But what about the age-old art of conversation? Wouldn’t it be more fun to just talk to people for a change? The good news is that you can! The bad news is that it will take more work.
Being Unafraid to Engage
In case you don’t know how to get started, you could always read my post with multiple parts on How to Engage on Social Media: the Complete Guide. There are sections for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
The Lost Art of Hello!
The important thing is to get out there and say hello! As in something along the lines of:
- “Hello, I like your profile picture!”
- “Hello, what’s the weather like where you are?”
- “Hello, how are you today?”
If the person doesn’t answer back, maybe they’re not used to people engaging, or maybe (shudder) they’re a robot.
Photo by gabia party 
Failure to Try
There are so many quotes on failure, but here is one of my favorites:
“Failure is so important. We speak about success all the time. It is the ability to resist failure or use failure that often leads to greater success. I’ve met people who don’t want to try for fear of failing.” – J.K. Rowling
If that doesn’t ring your chimes, here are 30 Powerful Quotes on Failure–you’re sure to find one you like.
But I digress.
Photo by Ryan Harvey
Begin Chatting
There are several ways to begin talking. Set yourself a modest goal. Say hello to 3 people a day. You might notice others having conversations–you could always step into a conversation that others are having. “Excuse me, but I couldn’t help overhearing…” you might begin. Would that be difficult? No, I didn’t think so!
Get an Introduction
If there’s someone you’d really like to get to know, you could use the old-fashioned idea of an introduction. This works very well on LinkedIn, as outlined in 4 Great Ways to Break the Ice on Social Media.
Photo by quinn.anya
Blog Comments
If you really, really want to get to know someone, read their blog and comment! Quite often they will answer you and reciprocate. Leave me a comment and see what happens! And thank you.
I just got through teaching this at a conference. It’s funny how people know to do this in person but are afraid to do it online. Maybe because words seem more permanent.
Hi Bridget,
Yes, that’s so true. I’m not sure where the fear comes from, but the idea of permanence is probably right. Thanks for your constant support. You’re the best!
Carol
I always think of failure as one step closer to success.
I read a good quote on failure today actually. Here it is:
“Don’t fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”
– Bruce Lee
Hello Clement,
That Bruce Lee quote is fantastic! What a wonderful mentor he was (and continues to be, for so many).
Thank you,
Carol