Glenn Halog via Compfight
Tisha asks…
“I’ve noticed that my tweets don’t get passed on (“re-tweeted”). It’s frustrating because I want to share what I’m doing, but I can’t get the word out. What’s the best thing to do?”
Thanks Tisha. There are a few things you can do to get retweeted, but it’s important to remember how a lot of people view social media. Many users don’t like being “sold to”…That means continually putting out commercials about what you’re doing. Plenty of people build ongoing relationships through social media, and just like when a person goes to a party and then irritatingly only talks about himself, social media bulletins that are only announcements and promotions can get tiring too.
So, Vary what you post. and….
• Give good advice.
• Follow up with others who might be having a hard time.
• Offer to help
• or refer your followers to good information, pertinent news, and resources.
• And best of all retweet good stuff from others.
Don’t think because your aren’t always getting retweeted that you’ve failed. Add some humanity to your social media endeavors and hang in there for the long haul.
In truth, Retweeting isn’t as popular as when Twitter first began. Now, people are a bit more selective in what they pass on.
Jonathan asks…
“With the election climate heating up, I’m noticing a lot of people expressing their political views. Some are really heavy-handed. Rude, even hateful. I know who I want to win the election in November, and sometimes I see something I want to pass on, but I’m afraid of alienating my online friends or contacts…the relationships I’ve been building might get hurt by what I send out there. Where’s a good place to draw the line with politics and social media?”
Hi Jonathan.
I know exactly what you’re talking about. Last Presidential election I actually de-friended a few obnoxious political junkies who insist on spewing all their opinions while shutting down dialogue. They were just too thoughtless, and I felt like I had to do it for some peace. When Social Media turns into a shouting match it’s a big bummer.
Politics is one of those issues that get people all hot and bothered. Their deepest values and concerns may be wrapped up in the issues of the latest political topic, so it’s easy to understand why things get so hyped up. It’s tricky ground to be sure.
This is just my opinion but I think how you decided to voice your political leanings depends on why you use social media.
If it’s just a way to contact friends I think moderate conversation is fine, and maybe even worthwhile. It’s the tone and attitude of your postings that makes the greatest impact. Try to be prudent.
If, on the other hand, you use social media mainly for business, networking, or sharing your goods or services, you may want to refrain from making sweeping declarations or picking sides. You may event want to abstain for politics and polarizing issues all-together.
Contrary to popular notion, rhetoric doesn’t work to change minds.
Your opinion won’t mean much of anything outside of a relationship context that’s been developed properly in regular life.
Consider refraining especially if your audience is larger, and may not know you and your intent intimately. They come from different backgrounds and they’ve likely had differing experiences than you. What might seem normal to you can be foreign to them. Off-putting.
Instead of posting something off-putting in the heat of the election cycle, hold back and be judicious. Save your opinions for smaller or more private circles, unless the advantage is hugely in your favor to do otherwise. (And I can’t right now imagine what that circumstance would be.)
Thanks for the questions!
Hey readers…do you agree with my advice?
Share your hard-earned wisdom or any thoughts on the subject.
Click to read PART 1 of “Answers to your Social Media Questions“