When the Guard Keeps You Up
I may be a perky motivational speaker on stage, but at home in the morning, I am a hard-core drill sergeant. After my sing song “get-out-of-bed-sleepy-head” routine, it is GO TIME.
Typically, I bark orders at my elementary school babes, push blueberries, search for papers I need to sign, throw together lunches and try to tame my daughter’s wild lion’s mane (anyone have ideas for curly hair care?).
It doesn’t get much better when we hit the road. We take the “back way” to school which is crazy because everyone else does too. It’s a perilous obstacle course – dodging parked cars, observing annoying driving etiquette rules (you go first, no you go first, no you, wave, smile, repeat), while simultaneously quizzing my son on his spelling words.
Then I see HIM.
Mr. Alton (cue singing angels). He is the crossing guard behind our school.
Looking like a handsome skinny Santa, he smiles broadly and greets all the kids. Yelling, “Hey, I sure do like those socks!” and “I’m so glad to see you this morning!”
On Fridays he high fives everyone and exhorts, “Get excited for a great day!”
Purposely, I slow down to catch his eye so I can wave and catch some of his morning happiness. Just the sight of Mr. Alton brings a smile to my face and to all who encounter him.
And just like that, I AM ready for a great day. How did he do that?
It occurred to me that Mr. Alton is the keeper of what I like to call the ‘Good Mood Commitment,’ except he takes it one step further. The Good Mood Commitment is when you tell yourself that you are in a good mood for the first 2 hours of the day. When time is up, you are in an authentic good mood. Not only does Mr. Alton say it, he acts like it too and at the end of his shift, he is in full bloom goodness. And fortunately for me and for all those he encounters, his good mood and positive attitude are wonderfully contagious.
It makes me wonder — how do people feel when they see me? How does my greeting affect others? Am I the fountain or the drain? Good questions for us all to ask.
Thanks Mr. Alton, for all the great days!
Permalink | Tags: attitude, contagious attitude, good mood, happy people, humor, motivational speaker | Posted in When the Guard Keep You Up | No Comments
Overshare Beware
Too Much Info?
As a motivational speaker, I try to be uplifting and inspirational. But it’s hard sometimes because people can be oblivious. Have you ever had someone corner you – someone you hardly know – and blather on, telling you his deepest, darkest. Clearly the expectation is that you’ll sit like a bobble-head doll, head bouncing up and down, and quietly listen. What?!
My mom called me the other day frustrated with a fellow golfer. She had become a victim of the OVERSHARE. “It was as if he was applying for a job. I know EVERYTHING about this man. He is a vet, has a purple heart, does 100 sit-ups every night and lost his wife last year.” Between golf shots he would come over to her cart and give her another piece of “this is my life.” She started to hit the ball to opposite sides of the fairway to get some peace and quiet.
Not only is oversharing uncomfortable, it is frustrating because it usually leads to under-listening, eye-rolling and that urge to blurt out, “Don’t you wanna know ANYTHING about me?!”
But TMIers never ask reciprocal questions. Have you ever had this happen? While minding your own business waiting at the doctor’s office, you say hello to someone and what she hears is, “Let me tell you why I am here!” After a long diatribe, the person then sits back, puts her head in a magazine and leaves you dumbfounded. I recently had a grocery store clerk comment on my cart contents and then tell me about her lazy husband. Cue the awkward silence.
What to do?
It is tough because people mistake oversharing as a shortcut to bonding. Know this… typically oversharing is not a way to instant intimacy. Rather, it’s simply inappropriate self-indulgence. You may have experienced this in person or have seen it online.
Consider:
- The Honest Reply: Wow, that is a lot of personal information, and I’m not sure how to respond.
- The Empathetic Switch: That’s too bad. Can you believe how quickly February is going by?
- The Block: For online repeat TMI offenders, you can always block their posts (they won’t know) or in extreme cases, hit the “unfriend” button.
- The Mirror: Make sure you are not the perp. Whether in person or on social media, TMI is just that…TOO MUCH INFORMATION and trust me when I say, no one wants to hear about your sinus infection, sex life (okay, maybe) or see a picture of your ingrown toenail (excuse me while I vomit).
So try to keep this in mind. Venting can be healthy – within reason. Consider words like dialogue and conversation (this happens when multiple parties participate in an interchange). Remember that saying too much or the wrong things can undermine your relationships, career and business. So beware of the overshare, and when in doubt, leave it out. Oops, did I say too much?
Permalink | Tags: Communication, humor, motivational speaker, motivational speakers, oversharing, TMI | Posted in Overshare Beware | No Comments
iAddict
Have you ever left your house, happily arrived at your destination, only to have that “where the heck is my phone” panic scramble? This includes, but is not limited to: patting down pockets, reaching into bags, completely dumping said bags, searching under car seat. All the while your eyes are darting around, frozen in time, hoping that a flash will hit, reminding you of your last phone encounter.
Last week I had that panic scramble while out running errands. The unthinkable had occurred: I left my phone at home. Breathing slowly, I told myself that I was only running a few errands. What could go wrong? I reassured myself that I’d soon be reunited with my phone.
While sitting at a red light, I wanted to check my e-mail. Wow, I’m bored. Sheesssh, another red light…where is my blasted phone? Geez, I may look at my phone while driving more than I think. At the UPS store, I waited, wishing I could see what was happening on Twitter. I see a greeting card stand with the usual categories: Birthday, Get Well, Anniversary… wait…what is this? Almost Funny cards? Love it! Wish I could take a picture of it… bummer… I forgot my phone. Should I be somewhere? My phone usually alerts me with an alarm for any appointments or conference calls. Dear Lord, I hope the school doesn’t call due to a sick or hurt kid. Irrational fear takes over. I had better cut my errands short and get back home.
Ya know… this smart phone is amazing. But It hits me – I am an ADDICT. Thinking that this could be a blog post, I look for my phone to write a note. Dang. Maybe I can leave myself a voice mail message. Duh, no.
Upon returning home, I see my lonely phone on the counter. I run to it like a long lost lover. As I pick it up, a wave of relief comes over me. This is a problem. I should be able to function without my phone, right? Something needs to be done. So, thinking there may be others with an affliction similar to my own, I developed this 8 step program. If you know someone who may be in need, feel free to pass it on:
8 Steps to Overcoming iAddiction:
- Admit you have a problem (isn’t that always number one?)
- Break up your day with “Tech Time Outs.” Get off the grid and be free.
- Silence your phone when working on an important task.
- Engage with people, making the conversation a priority (not the phone).
- Safety first when driving. Phones truly are a dangerous distraction.
- Declare to the masses when out socially that you are putting away your phone. Then stick to it.
- Wait and watch. Use the down time to observe and be in the moment.
- Trust that it is okay to just “be” rather than always having to have something to “do.
Start slow and see what transpires. Without my face in my phone at the UPS Store, I became aware of a man lugging big boxes and was able to run to the door and help. Having a phone-free drive gives you time to think – and is the right thing to do. Waiting in lines sans phone will give you an opportunity to connect with people (what a concept!). I mean, what did we do before smart phones? That’s right – we survived.
And yes, I did go back to UPS and take that photo.
Permalink | Tags: dynamic, motivational speaker, motivational speakers, phone addiction, smart phone, speaker | Posted in iAddict | No Comments
Happy New Eyes – Let’s Rock Resolutions!
After many years of sticking plastic lenses in my eyes, I developed an allergy to my contacts. Can you say, “Owieeeee??!?” Lasik always sounded like the way to go, but fear always got the best of me. No longer able to wear contacts, I researched doctors, did the whole pre-screen thing, and had the surgery DONE (really!) within a week (I knew that waiting and thinking about it would mess with my head.)
So here I am a few weeks later, seeing better than ever and wondering why I didn’t do this sooner. When I squint my right eye, I can hear the famous Steve Austin, “do-do-do-do-do” (bionic eye sound effect).
The whole experience got me thinking about how fear holds us back. Some guru once said that the acronym for fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. I don’t know about that… having a laser beam drill into my eyes is real…scary… real scary. But, I had to deal and move forward – because I was forced to make the change.
How often do we have blurred vision without knowing it? We begin to believe that the blur is normal and live with it. It usually isn’t until we get out of the situation that we see things more clearly. Why didn’t I leave that job earlier? Why didn’t I get out of that relationship sooner? Why didn’t I get Lasik a long time ago? Are you seeing things clearly right now? What is holding you back? Fear? Lack of money? Confidence? Why does some change have to be forced upon us for us to realize it is what we wanted all along?
Here’s How to Get New Eyes for the New Year (without surgery):
Positive Future Focus
Ask yourself, “What is possible?” and play only to the positive. Too often, we focus only on the negative outcomes. What if I ask for a raise, and I get it? What if I tell my spouse I need him home from work every day at 6:30, so we can eat together as a family, and he agrees?!
Risk it
If you are risk adverse, try chanting, “Ohhhhh what the heckkkk, gooooo for it anywayyyyy.” You will never know the outcome until you try. If it doesn’t work, at least you can move in another direction.
Forget New Year’s Resolutions
Making goals once a year? Forgettaboutit! It is easy to get down on yourself the very first week. Most people give up by March. “Oh well, there’s always next year.” What? Even if you blew it, you can still do it! Reset your thinking at the beginning of every month. Yell, “Happy New Month,” and refocus your efforts. Are you really wanting to rock your resolutions? Yell, “Happy New Week,” and start off Mondays with a bang rather than a sputter. Truly, every day is a new start. Right now I can hear Scarlett O’Hara saying, “After all… tomorrow is another day!” and she is right.
Think it and Ink it
Write down what you want to accomplish and keep it in front of your eyes. This will help you set your internal GPS. It is certainly easier to get to your destination when you have a map. Especially, those of you who never ask for directions – you know who you are. Recalculating…
Partner Anyone?
Find an accountability partner who can keep you motivated and on task. A friend and I are on a health kick, and it is fun to check-in at night to see how we did. She offers great suggestions and also makes me feel better by sharing that she snuck some chocolate too.
So open your eyes this year and move toward what you want, while steering clear of what you don’t. Make a plan and don’t give up. We are all afraid…feel the fear and do it anyway. Have a clear vision, focus and let’s make 2012 a great year… starting today. Rock your resolutions! Do I hear that bionic eye sound effect?
Permalink | Tags: focus, goal setting, motivational speaker, motivational speakers, new year, outlook, resolutions | Posted in Happy New Eyes - Let's Rock Resolutions! | No Comments
Tis the Season to Be Busy
My mantra is to have less stress and more fun in my life. What could be more fun than the Holiday Season, right?
Wait. What? Sadly, the holidays seem to bring less fun and more stress! The tipping point for me has been one small question: Are you ready for Christmas? Heavens NO!
But… you go ahead… dress your car like Rudolf and inflate your inflatables. Or keep them deflated on your lawn, if you prefer. Unpack that holiday blingy sweater with the pulsing lights, trees, snowflakes and reindeer. Break out the recycled, regifted fruit cake. GO for it! Just don’t ask ME if I’m ready for Christmas.
Am I alone on this? The dreaded question in question tends to bring out the worst in me. Why? Because I’m not ready!
Consider Using Better Holiday Banter
What Christmas song do you sing the loudest?
Which movie? “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?”
How are you taking time out to enjoy the Season? A Massage? Lunch with friends?
Slow Down
Stop and sip some eggnog. Sprinkle some nutmeg while you are at it- or add something stronger. Breathe.
Take a Perfection Vacation
Remember to soak up the magic this season has to offer. If you don’t get the perfect gift or miss sending a few cards, the world will not end. The best gift is time with those we love. Skip a few errands and call your college roommate for a chat.
Remember the Reason for the Season
The Holiday Season is about making memories and so much more. I’m definitely ready – really really ready — for joy, peace and goodwill towards men (and women).
Know When to Say When
Stop “doing” and start “being.” We tend to overdo it in many regards throughout the holiday season. Many people claim that they just can’t say, “no.” OH YES YOU CAN! Be kind and gracious, “I’d so love to help on the 2018 Holiday Pork Belly Roast Strategic Planning Committee for Rising County, Tennessee but I just couldn’t give it the time and attention it deserves. But thank you so much for asking. I’m honored.”
Remember: saying “no” to something usually means saying “yes” to something more important. So am I ready? NO. Am I baking cookies? NO. Am I snuggling with the kids and watching Frosty the Snowman for the 100th time. YES!
Less stress and more fun? Bring it on! Happy Holidays, ready or not here we come….
Permalink | Tags: Fun, holidays, motivational speaker, motivational speakers, questions, stress | Posted in Digitally Distracted | No Comments
Mean People Suck (profits and kill your bottom line)
When did people stop having fun in their jobs? Granted, I know not every job is “fun,” but turn that frown upside down, Grumpy Pants. Global Whining is at epidemic proportions. Don’t add to it! If you can add play into your work, you may find that people like to work with you, customers are happier, and a better bottom line is the result.
As a professional speaker, I travel…a lot. By now, you’d think I had perfected it. Not so. Two million miles on American, I still travel like a rookie. It is not unusual for me to haphazardly pack the morning of a trip, leave late and have to sprint through the airport while saying a prayer for a short security line. Shake your head if you will – I shake my head enough for both of us – but it is sort of S.O.P for me. On a recent multi-city trip, I missed the cut-off to check my bag (full of books) by 2 minutes.
Global Whiner / Ticket Agent: “Youʼre late.”
Me: “I know…is there anyth-”
GW / TA: “Shhh…don’t say a word and I will try to help you.” Mumble, mumble, mumble, something about people needing to be quiet, plan better, mumble, mumble…
After running back and forth behind the counter and hitting 10,000 keystrokes, she checked my bag and curtly handed me a boarding pass, (insert mean-spirited voice) “I am the only one who would have done this for you. Youʼd better run.” I felt like a beaten puppy. Bad Traveler – BAD!
Yes, I was grateful she helped me make my flight, and sure she had the ‘right’ to judge me (whatever that means), but making me feel small didn’t make me love the airline more. Au contraire.
Have you ever gotten what you wanted only to feel yucky inside? Have you screwed up only to have someone keep reminding you that you are a dork…especially someone you are giving your business/money to? It feels wrong.
Trying to do too much the morning I left for the airport was totally my fault. But instead of making my morning worse, the agent could have brightened it! Simple words such as, “Let me help you. I will do what I can. Hang tight.” Anything but trying to shame me into gratitude (not possible, by the way). What a gift a little understanding would have been, and it would have increased the loyalty of this 2 Million Mile Super Triple Platinum Diamond Travel-More-Than-Pilots customer. I would have walked away singing her praises, feeling grateful promoting her airline to anyone who would listen.
So here are a few tips that will brighten your day, as well as the day of everyone around you!
Go for the Oscar. Check your troubles and bad attitude at the door. How would you act if you loved your job and the people you work with? Pretend you do and see how it turns your day around.
Change your face. If you try only one thing, consider smiling. Greet coworkers and customers with a smile rather than a scowl. Just the physical act of smiling tells your brain that you must be happy, and you truly begin to feel better.
Wash out your mouth. Take the positive words challenge. See if you can go a day without saying anything negative. No gossip, criticizing or judging allowed. Only allow positive words to come out of your mouth. You will be surprised at how good that tastes.
BOOGIE - Be Outstanding Or Get Involved Elsewhere. Get out! There are so many people out there who donʼt have jobs, who would absolutely LOVE the job you are griping about. If you don’t like your job and you’re sure you never will, find something else, and move over. You’re taking up space in someone else’s dream job.
And if you are on the receiving end of a Global Whiner one day, make up a story about that person – why is she acting this way – and move on. In the case of my GW, maybe her computer’s omnectivicator just broke. Or maybe she just found out she’s responsible to save the planet from an incoming piece of space junk. It could happen…?
Remember: don’t just live for the weekends! You spend too much time at work to be miserable. Learn to like it or even *gasp* LOVE it. Watch employee tension decrease, employee retention increase. You’ll have happier customers and a better bottom line.
And, donʼt be late for your flight, but if you are, go easy on yourself. You may be the only one.
Permalink | Tags: airlines, bad customer service, bottom line, mean people suck, profits, unhappy employees | Posted in Mean People Suck (profits...) | 1 Comment
Thanksgiving – the Right Way
Last week I asked my 6-year-old what she was thankful for and she replied, “Thanksgiving is not until next week.” Huhhh? So I had to whip out the, “We should be thankful everyday” speech. That got me thinking about thanking people, which led me to what bugs me about saying thanks and contemplating how we can do it better.
Here are some ways to make a thank you more meaningful and memorable:
No Shame in a Name
Thank you to the organizers. Thanks to those who helped me. Thanks to (insert large group). Does that really make anyone feel special? Drop the blanket people thank you. Whenever possible, use names. Robert C. Lee was right when he said, “The sweetest sound to anyone’s ears is the sound of his own name.”
Be Specific and Sincere
Hey man, thanks for everything. EVERY thing? What things? Tell the man what you appreciate in particular – the extra time he spent on that project, the speedy service that she provided to the customer. Of course, be sincere in your appreciation. People can feel it!
Keep Emily Post Alive
Thank you cards are an endangered species. If you’re like me, you’ve wondered if some mailed gifts even made it to the recipient. It means so much and takes so little time to send a heartfelt thank you note. Go the e-mail route if you must, but phone calls and handwritten notes are always better and more appreciated. Keep a blank set of cards at your desk, and your address book handy.
The Eyes Have It
When you have the opportunity to thank someone in person, make sure to look at that person in the eye. Direct eye contact deepens the message of gratitude and feeling of sincerity.
Respond Appropriately
When someone thanks you, a good response is My Pleasure, Happy to Help, or You’re Welcome. Consider the underlying message that a phrase like No Problem sends. Are you saying it could have been a problem? Normally helping someone is a problem? Am I a problem? It may convey a sentiment you didn’t intend.
So, Thank YOU!
Dear (your name) – I know how busy you are with work and family, and I really appreciate your taking the time to read this blog. If it makes you smile, I’d be grateful if you’d consider hitting the “share” button. Thanks in advance! It means so much to me. Happy Thanksgiving (your name), I appreciate you more than you know.
Permalink | Tags: appreciation, giving thanks, recognition, Thanksgiving | Posted in Give Thanks the Right Way | No Comments
The Cost Of Free Time
Like many of you, I have no fewer than 3 full time jobs. Truly. For me, it’s full-time speaker, full-time parent, full-time author-preneur. I know, it’s not possible to have three full times at once, but somehow I’ve pulled it off, triple-timing through August 22, 2011 (a date etched in my mind!), the day my youngest started kindergarten.
Confession time — are you ready? Being home with my babies has been wonderful, but I can’t tell you how many times over the past 8 years, I’ve dreamily looked out into nowhere muttering, “I can’t wait until BOTH kids are in school.”
Just the thought of having “free time” made me feel tingly all over! And oh yeah… I had big (no, huge!) plans. Most of the dream surrounds a clean and clutter-free house, long showers, creating magnificent collages with all the artwork my kids bring home, organizing pictures, working out and mastering the French cuisine cookbook I got as a wedding gift — 11 years ago. And there’s more – much more!
SLACKER?
I’ve now had weeks of “free time” since the babes entered school and I have done nothing. Absolutely nothing. In fact, I’m less productive than ever! Talk about twittering away your time (seriously)! What is going on here? It has been a roller coaster of emotions. One minute I’m freaking out from the quiet. Then I’m elated over the silence. And then I move on to a big dose of guilt – that I’m not doing anything productive. I could do something that in some way benefits my family. I could volunteer. I could work towards world peace. I could organize the garage, for Pete’s sake. But no.
Our chocolate Lab, Murphy, sits in my office and breathes on my leg, staring, telling me the least I could do is throw something in his general direction. Other parents have been the voice of reason, “Give yourself a break!” and “Let this be your FREE week.”
But I’m still having trouble, at loose ends. Where does the day go? It slips through my fingers and although some things are completed, many tasks mock me. One look at my office could easily warrant a call the police – it looks like it’s been ransacked. Yet I walk in, size-up my work space and make no effort to straighten. None.
WHO AM I?
Wait! Is being productive all it’s cracked up to be? Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be “DOING” something? Why do I feel that while I Skype with my brother that I should be folding laundry? Probably the same reason I watch TV with the laptop on my tummy while simultaneously compiling the family photo album. Because a good person is productive, organized and above all else – checks things off her list!
But what about just “BEING?” Is there something productive about down time? Maybe if I had more down time, I would be more relaxed and less apt to want to strangle the lady fishing for exact change in the check out line. Perhaps I wouldn’t be so late to things, which could (hopefully) result in my driving more slowly, resulting (hopefully!) in fewer tickets. Why should I feel guilty about a nap? Even saying that I want a nap makes me feel like a slacker.
IS DOING NOTHING, DOING SOMETHING?
I guess what I really want is to be okay with me…the me who’s been busting my butt, wiping butts for 8 years. I want to feel like I deserve that 3 pm margarita and matinee with my neighbor (greasy popcorn and all!), but somehow, I keep comparing myself to all those power-house high-achieving moms — as well as the OLD me, who had a check list a mile long EVERY DAY and by gum, I got most of it done!
When you’ve been on the “Jane, stop this crazy thing!” treadmill, it may take some time to adjust to walking on solid ground. Not being “productive” just may be the thing to help you be productive when it really counts. So does that mean that doing “nothing” may really be good for “something?” I’m still a bit twitchy even as I write this, but people say that will go away. Breathe deeply and count your blessings rather than your minutes.
Okay, Murphy, time for your walk — go get your ball! And, when the hubby comes home and asks what I did today, I’ll hold my head high and tell him that Murphy and I had a great walk, and I caught up with the neighbor down the street. And now I need a nap.
Permalink | Tags: being, freedom, productivity, speaker, time | Posted in Digitally Distracted | No Comments
Talk Show No-Go
It’s some people’s guilty pleasure, and some people’s trashy treasure. There is a hostile takeover of the airwaves by sleazy television shows (affectionately called “Junk TV” in our house) – and I almost got sucked into the moral vacuum. Most reality and talk shows are like car accidents. You don’t want to look, but you can’t help yourself! Turn it off. No! Maybe I’ll just watch a bit longer. OFF! No! Have you ever had that happen before? You just pass by a show and end up indulging in the insanity – but just for a few minutes. And then a few MORE minutes? This is followed by disbelief that you wasted the last (insert crazy number) minutes of your life that you will never get back. Where is the Men in Black memory erase device when you need it? I digress…
Where Do They Get These People?
What would you be willing to do to be “famous”? Recently, I had an opportunity to find out. A reporter put out a query looking for someone who has a meddling mom to be a guest on a new talk show. Quick background: I have an amazing mom. She is my best friend. She is Italian. She is a meddler. I could give you many meddling examples, but this one tells all — she is on Twitter and I am the ONLY one she follows. Nuff said.
Have Banter Will Travel
After discussing the show with my mom, we both got giddy at the prospect of an all-expense paid adventure in NYC, so I answered the reporter’s query. The Producer contacted me and assured me that this was not a “chair-throwing” type of show; rather, it features human interest stories. She then interviewed us both, had us send pictures and invited us to be on this new show. She explained that it will air in Dallas and Houston this September in hopes of getting full syndication. They wanted me and my “hilarious mom” to have some fun bantering back and forth alongside three other meddling mom duos. For those who know my mom and me, “fun banter” is standard chat. So…NYC, Mom and me, our moment of fame…sounds like fun, right?
Reality Strikes
An assistant called to get details for our flight arrangements and had a few additional questions such as, “Do you have tattoos? Piercings? A weave? Gold teeth? A grill?” She wasn’t asking about a BBQ, but rather teeth jewelry. WTH?!? At that moment I get a call from my dad who found clips of the show on a web site (even though it has yet to hit the airwaves). Highlights included someone ranting about a cheating spouse and another clip had the esteemed host getting bleeped out as he was yelling at one of his own guests. What have I gotten myself into?
Creating My Own Reality
The show looked borderline chair tossing to me, and we decided to call the Producer and bow out. There was truly nothing to gain (other than a trip to NYC) and a lot to lose. My reputation, based on laughter and positive living, means more to me than a moment of “fame” if that is what you call it these days.
It’s not just about what you preach, or even what you practice. It’s also about the company you keep, what you support, and where you invest your time (and message). Being in the wrong place at the wrong time – even if you do right – ends up all wrong.
Off to plan a mother/daughter trip to NYC on our own terms. This Housewife of Denton County is out. We’re off to discover some GOOD STUFF of our own, even if we have to do our own hair and make-up.
Permalink | Tags: famous, Reality TV, talk shows | Posted in Talk Show No-Go | No Comments
Anti-Social Media
BranchOut has me out on a limb. Have you been invited to Facebook’s professional networking entry into the LinkedIn world? It started to clog my newsfeed until I downloaded FB Purity (http://www.fbpurity.com/ — thankfully, it’s free!) which alters your Facebook home page, showing only the most relevant information by filtering out the annoying and irrelevant messages in your newsfeed. It’s sweeeet!
So yes, I have been invited, but I’ve not accepted this invitation. However, the BranchOut request still shows up in e-mail as an alert. I feel guilty. Am I being anti-social media? Missing out on lifelong connections? Losing out on job opportunities? As it is, I get grief because I don’t accept all friend requests on my personal Facebook page. Maybe I’m an oddball here, but I want to personally know people on my Feed. In fact, I do try to be courteous by telling strangers that I appreciate the invite, but to please join me on my “fan” page. They rarely do.
As someone who has never been officially diagnosed with ADD, I am already distracted enough trying to keep LinkedIn and all-a-Twitter clever and relevant, while maintaining personal AND professional Facebook pages. I would like to enjoy my life, run my business, my household, travel, raise my kids, be a good wife, neighbor, friend, daughter and dog owner.
In the past, I relished being invited (to anything!), but not anymore. Don’t ask me to BranchOut. One more connection avenue, may unravel my brain. Aren’t there enough ways for us to be connected professionally? Yes, I could update it all with TweetDeck or HootSuite or TweetSuite but, do people really want to get the same show on 5 different channels?
Ironically, most people who are making BranchOut requests are already connected with me. Wanna talk? Call me. Wanna connect? Write me. BranchOut? That’s one tree I’m going to leave. Read more…
Permalink | Tags: BranchOut, Facebook, overwhelmed, Social Media | Posted in Digitally Distracted | No Comments
