Social Media – a non-commercial view

It seems that these days we are hearing more and more of how businesses need to be more serious about establishing a presence in the world of Social Media. We talk of how they need to engage with their customers on the various platforms. This is true, but just for a moment let’s take a step back and look at what I find to be three very important reasons for my own journey in to the Social Media world which others may relate to.

My Three Pillars

I find I use Social media for one of the following three reasons:

1. Encouragement
2. Knowledge sharing/gaining
3. Seeking/giving Assistance

Nothing too earth shattering there but let’s take a little deeper look anyway.

Encouragement

Encouragement to me represents a key character trait. It is something that we should all do often and something I find I do not do nearly often enough. When talking about encouragement, I like to use a definition based on the components:

en – to cause to be in

courage – the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face
difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear

So, armed with this definition, we see that when we encourage we cause someone to be in the quality of mind or spirit that enables them to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear. Looking at it this way adds a whole new dimension to the word. When I look back at my interactions here in the social landscape, I surely have encountered times when I have received critical encouragement at just the right time and I hope that I have been able to provide some of the same.

Knowledge Sharing/Gaining

This is a fairly straightforward one that I think needs little discussion. There is a wealth of information shared on the social platforms constantly and I enjoy learning and sharing information that I find interesting or that may be useful to others. I have learned much from my journeying in the Social Media world.

Seeking/Giving Assistance

I have often turned to my network contacts here in the Social Media world when I have needed assistance with something, from potential job opportunities to things perhaps a little more insignificant, like how to remove a particular stain out of carpet. Occasionally I find great enjoyment from helping others  with similar things. To me, to serve brings the most fulfillment and so to be able to help others helps in this respect.

Just in Closing

I hope that gives a little insight in to my approach to Social Media. I know, it is hardly rocket science but I hope it helps to give a filter for what I will share in future posts. I will end with one of my favourite quotes, from Marie Curie:

Until next time, collaborate and connect 🙂