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10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social Media

This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014

Step Out Of Your BoxIn my last post, I wrote about not being a social media wallflower.  In essence it described social media as a slow motion party.  

 

As I read my comments, I had noticed that many of my peeps were either shy or not spending the time they wanted to on social media platforms.  So here it is my friends – a little lesson on how to get out of your box.

Here’s 10 things you can do pretty comfortably to start some conversation, even if it does mean getting out of “your box” or comfort zone, just a tad.  

 

 

 

1.  Post a picture of your pet –  Most people “oooh” and “awww” when they see a dog, cat, bird, or whatever your pet might be. You can just say something like “Look at what my dog did today”. Be original!  After all, you are unique, and so is your pet!

 

2.  Go to one of your niche sites.  Subscribe to Mashable, Huff Post, or anything that has up to date information.  Find something that interests you and share it.  As long as your finding information relevant to your niche, it will be interesting to your like-minded friends and followers, too.

 

3.  Share a thought or something that may have happened during the day that is common to everyone.  I recently did my laundry and left a tissue in there. 

I posted on Facebook about how annoying it is when that happens.  Who hasn’t experience that?  The conversation went wild.  People chimed in with their own stories. 

One guy said he accidentally put his cell phone in the laundry once.  We have all done this sort of thing from time to time, so it encourages conversation.  Everyone wants to tell their own little story.  You’re just setting the stage for them.

 

4.  Tweet an inspiring quote.  We can use quotes from other people and that may be fine, but I feel it is overdone.  Now here’s what I found really works.  So, my creative friends, pull up a notepad on your computer. 

Make your own, personal quotes whenever you think of one.  I did that once and came up with about 50 of my own quotes.  I used “future tweets” to schedule them for once a day.  Oh boy, did I get some great responses and condos.  You can do this on other social platforms, too!

 

5.  For the really shy:  Change your cover photo and it will be updated on Facebook.  “Jane just changed her cover photo.”  Use your own photo and people will start pressing that “like” button and sometimes even ask you where you shot the picture?

 

6.  You don’t have to be a shutterbug to take your own pictures.  Your iPhone (or other mobile phone) will work well if you have one, or just use a camera.  I have been posting my own pictures in social media for a long time. 

I am not a photographer, but if I see something interesting, I’ll take a shot of it, then share it.  An accompanying funny saying or question can really get the conversation going.

 

7.  Scroll down your homepage and see what your friends are saying.  Don’t be afraid to press “like” and, better, just add a comment.  If you are really shy, put a smiley face on the comment section. 

But it is always better to engage.  If there is a saying or a Youtube video you like, say something about it. Or just say “thanks…that made my day”…  only if you really mean it, though.

 

8.  Be Positive!  If there is something you don’t like, just ignore it.  Remember that golden rule: no politics, no religion, and especially no rants!  Nobody wants your anger, frustration and negativity.

 

9.  Funny sayings are OK sometimes, but please don’t overdue it. 

I once wrote on my Facebook timeline: “What’s the deal with all these Facebook messages of pretty girls telling me they like me and please do not reply on Facebook, but rather on email?”  

Now, I know that’s a spammer.  So when I mentioned it on a status update, I got lots of engagement because it happens to all of us.  

 

10. Don’t give up!  Post two things a day.  If you don’t get any likes, don’t worry about it.  Especially if you haven’t been active on Social Media.  Give it a little time and people will respond to you.  

 

Stay positive, Be respectful, Never get into an argument, and keep away from anything that is negative…  You will find that before you know it, friendships will be made.

 

I hope this helps all you “wallflowers” out there.  Give yourself a gentle push.  Experiment a bit and see what happens.  Getting out of your box is a great feeling.  Just take baby steps and you will become a new you!

 

Blessings,

-Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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63 Responses to 10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social Media

  1. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    November 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm #

    Hey Donna! Thanks for all the Great Idea’s! Love them! I am going to start implemtning a few of them. Worth sharing. Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..8 Tips To Help You Start Living The Lifestyle Of Your DreamsMy Profile

  2. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    October 19, 2013 at 3:33 pm #

    Donna,

    A great list of things so say on social media for those who have trouble figuring out just what to say and how to engage other people.

    I don’t think I have that issue so much as I can come up with plenty of things to say. I just seem to run out of time to say them. I am always running behind it seems. I think I just need to make the time to socialize a little.

    Thanks for all of the suggestions.

    Dee Ann
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Virus and Phishing Warnings on BlogsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 20, 2013 at 12:44 pm #

      Hi Dee Ann,

      I find that if I make a DMO…(Daily method of operation) and stick to it (the hard part lol) I can make the time on the social sites.

      Lets face it, we are all busy and marketing is where we need to put most of our efforts for business.

      But…If you follow that 10 minute plan, you will go a long way. And of course you have a lot to say.

      How about this: open a notepad on your computer or jot it down with that thing called paper and pen. A quote, A thought. Then go to it during the day and post it. Check it a few hours later and see what comments you received. Just a thought….

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Learn From Reading BlogsMy Profile

  3. Ahsan October 18, 2013 at 11:00 pm #

    I think engaging in social network is the best way to get popularity. I sometime add pictures, quotes. I love to be different in social network. I love to get comment, like from others in my status. I also reciprocate immediately.

    Thanks for sharing some excellent tips
    Ahsan recently posted..Check Your Gmail Account Easily With Chrome ExtensionMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 20, 2013 at 12:40 pm #

      Hi Ashan,

      Social media is so important these days. Not only to connect with others, but Google considers our social activities too.

      I love getting comments and talking on the social networks also!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Learn From Reading BlogsMy Profile

  4. Amiti
    Twitter:
    October 14, 2013 at 9:07 am #

    These are all really good tips, although the one worry from all of this is “over-doing” social media which can also annoy a lot of followers. These tips should be followed, I will try a few myself, but in moderation.
    Amiti recently posted..What to do With Feedback?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 15, 2013 at 12:01 pm #

      Moderation is the key Amiti!

      We cannot possibly spend all our time on social media. Just set up some time where you can and voila…..you will meet some new and interesting people.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Learn From Reading BlogsMy Profile

  5. William Earl Amis, Jr. III
    Twitter:
    October 13, 2013 at 10:53 am #

    Donna, you are right on point with just start interacting with others. You be amazed at if you just be yourself and stop coping (Badly) others online. You will spake interest at so many locations it will be mind blowing. Not to say join hundreds of location to get your word out.

    I like to keep it simple with fundamentals and adjust on the way. I watch groups interacting and once I can give meaningful stuff I say it or guide people to the answer to questions. That is all just as if we met at a bowling alley. We are at side by side lanes. We can not help but to interact without over thinking of what one should say. There is not difference at say Facebook or any place else. Just be yourself and complete some due diligence on each person before you open that mouth. Or before you type anything. No interaction until you find out about that person.

    I find that using two locations for all these years never let me down with due diligence basics. LinkedIn and Google Search. That is the only two locations you should use just to get basic intelligence on a person or business. It is simple free and remarkable what you will find.

    Thanks Donna for making us get out and just take positive actions in personal growth and expanding our brands.
    William Earl Amis, Jr. III recently posted..Mirage of a businessMy Profile

  6. Shathyan Raja October 13, 2013 at 10:35 am #

    Being unique and creative is always the best way to reach out to the people visibility. And that too Social Media is place where we can influence many people with out thoughts and happenings. So to be a star in it, we need to be unique and as you said, need to think out of box to get attraction.

    Thanks for sharing out some of the best ways to get to be unique in social media.
    Shathyan Raja recently posted..Top 5 Instant Google Keyword Search ToolsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 15, 2013 at 11:56 am #

      Hi Shathyan,

      Yes indeed. The more unique we are and real, the better. People have a funny way of just knowing this.

      We are transparent and have to remember that. If we don’t come from the place of our own heart and soul, people will know that.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Learn From Reading BlogsMy Profile

  7. Marty Diamond
    Twitter:
    October 13, 2013 at 2:10 am #

    I also think it helps to watch and listen for a while – people feel that they “must” contribute immediately – and that’s not true – if you spend a while just figuring who you really want to follow – not because they have a lot of followers – but because you really resonate to what they’re posting – and if you keep reading their posts one will come along that you can respond to – and that’s the first step – after that responding comes easier – and as you’re reading other people’s posts, you’re learning and thinking about what makes sense to you to post on your own channel – and then you do.

    For some folks – throwing them into the water figuring they’ll swim…works …but I prefer the more gradual approach – start by getting your toes wet.
    Marty Diamond recently posted..Better Popup Optin StrategiesMy Profile

  8. Rachel Lavern October 12, 2013 at 9:09 am #

    Wonderful tips as usual Donna!

    Love it or hate it, using social media to expand the reach of our blog and business is worth taking a look at and learn how to engage people. media is all about. As you talk about in your former post, people have a range of different personalities and behaviors when it comes to both in-person situations. Some folks are wallflowers and others are outgoing. We probably want to overcome the former or validate the latter.

    I do #4, post my own quotes, quite a bit on Twitter but don’t know why I never considered doing it on Facebook also. Perhaps not the same ‘quotes’ though. I will test this next week.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..An Information Product Works WondersMy Profile

  9. Arleen
    Twitter:
    October 11, 2013 at 6:05 pm #

    Great List. I did two posts on my dog and got a good response. I must admit I see a post with a dog and I am in.

    I guess I need to be more active with Facebook. It is good to have articles like this that are positive and get your butt moving again. I tend to become complacent and that doesn’t work. I admirer positive outlook. You can’t go wrong.

    Never thought of making up my own quotes. Who knows what I would come up with. I might even scare myself. I have a sense of humor so this might be very interesting.
    Arleen recently posted..A Look at Bike Share Programs and What We Can Learn from ThemMy Profile

  10. Rick Lelchuk October 10, 2013 at 3:51 pm #

    OMG, Donna, I can’t believe you’re writing about this subject. My wife and I have been getting some very good coaching about what it takes to be a social marketer. It’s true, there are people on the other side of this screen and they need to be treated as such.

    It’s all about engagement and your tips are fantastic. I’ve just printed them and will be share them with Lynn when she gets home.

    Thank you a bunch!

    RICK
    Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Are We Full Yet?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 11, 2013 at 10:04 pm #

      Wow Weee Rick!

      Glad you found this of help. It is so important to be on Social Media.

      But firs….you really need to create a DMO… Hit it up 2 to 3 times a day for a few minutes, otherwise you will never get your work done!

      Looking forward to seeing you on the social sites.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  11. Clint Butler October 9, 2013 at 1:17 pm #

    Interesting topics to post for sure. Its great that you addressed the shy types like myself. I hate talking about myself on social media. I mean what if nobody likes or shares my post. Does that mean I am boring? OMG I’m not boring am I?!?!!
    Clint Butler recently posted..HootSuite Buffer Facebook All Get Updates In This Social Media NewsMy Profile

  12. Rachel Williamson October 9, 2013 at 12:48 pm #

    Great tips, Donna. I like the fact that your 10 tips help us keep away from ‘spammy’ posts. Do you recommend using these tips on our fan pages? or just our personal timelines?
    Rachel Williamson recently posted..The Care and Feeding of 800 Pound Gorillas: How to be Friends with Google Search!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 11, 2013 at 9:33 pm #

      Hi Rachel!

      Oh yes, there is nothing worse than spammy posts! I use them on both.

      Here is a nice trick: I post something on my Fan Page. Then go over and share it on my personal page. I do get some interest and people will see my Fan Page, come over and like it.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  13. sherman smith October 8, 2013 at 9:35 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    This is an area where I’m weak at. I only post inspirational posts. I started to talk about the yoga class I was taking some months back, but I actually stopped…

    But being more active on social media as far as sharing your everyday thoughts is a great way for people to notice and get to know you. The tips you shared here are definitely a way to go to at least get some attention.

    You know it’s been for me when someone told me that they felt I was hiding LOL, although I was posting positive quotes… thats an indicator that I need to change my game up 😉

    Thanks for sharing!

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 11, 2013 at 9:28 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      The person that told you it felt as though you were hiding was the best gift you can ever receive.

      Not all of us find it easy to share our thoughts. Many like to hide behind a quote lol.

      So glad to hear you are changing your game up and looking forward to “like” you.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  14. Corina Ramos October 8, 2013 at 9:15 pm #

    These are great tips Donna! I do love seeing photographs of pets, especially Bren’s pibble Titan, he’s too cute! It is a great way to engage with folks because that’s how we connected…because of that adorable face. 🙂

    All of these are great conversation starters both the shy and outgoing can use.

    I do admit sometimes I don’t stop to see what my friends and family have posted on Facebook…I’m more focused on sharing the blogs I’m reading and on to the next post or bullet on my to do list. That’s bad huh?

    I loved the way you closed the post telling us to take baby steps. It really is a great feeling once we get out of the box, it’s getting taking that first step that’s the hard part.

    Hope you’re having a great Tuesday night Donna!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Trick or Treat Halloween Giveaway – 3 Chances to Win CashMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 11, 2013 at 9:19 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      Yes, sharing posts is something that we do on social media. But to break it up, we do have to post our own stuff!

      Take baby steps girl and you will be on your way. Just keep in mind that what ever interests YOU is fine to share. This is how we “attract” others that like what we do and who we are.

      It’s an ice breaker and could lead to friendships and even business.

      Enjoy!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  15. Yorinda October 8, 2013 at 4:29 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    darn, now there is no more excuse, LOL!

    You have given some great suggestions with great examples.

    Quotes are great and I have been scheduling them with hootsuite.
    People have liked them and commented on them and the other benefit is that when I schedule them I read them again myself.

    Thank you so much for sharing this helpful post!
    Love and Light!
    Yorinda
    Yorinda recently posted..Courage Vulnerability and ShameMy Profile

  16. William Butler
    Twitter:
    October 8, 2013 at 12:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thank you for these excellent social media tips. I’m now scheduling some time in the morning to be more engaging. I’ve been wrapped up in several business projects and I’m finding that if I don’t schedule it, it simply won’t get done. You’ve given me more to think about. Thanks!

    I also like how you’re encouraging the shy among us to come out of their shell. Good on you 🙂 Great post!

    Cheers!
    William Butler recently posted..15 Great Stress Busting TipsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 11, 2013 at 8:52 pm #

      Thanks Bill.

      I’m in the middle of two major projects myself, but find that time to get on social media. It doesn’t take long at all. Just schedule it in your day and it will become a habit.

      Yes…I am encouraging the shy ones to get going lol.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  17. Kumar Gauraw
    Twitter:
    October 8, 2013 at 11:54 am #

    Hi Donna,

    These are some refreshing tips on social media management. In fact, many times I simply don’t find what to post even though I know there needs to be something going out (because it may have been overdue).

    When that happens, I post a quote or a picture quote.

    But I liked these 10 ideas. I think these are some great ways to get the creative juices flowing. Thank you for these awesome tips!
    Regards,
    Kumar
    Kumar Gauraw recently posted..10 Proven Strategies To Build Credibility And Trust OnlineMy Profile

  18. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    October 8, 2013 at 6:23 am #

    Great tips Donna. Another resource is Google Alerts – you can set up any number of alerts for topics you’re interested in or that relate to your business and specify how often you want to receive updates. I get just one email a day and scroll through to see what looks interesting.
    marquita herald recently posted..Forgiveness is the First Step to Rebuilding ConfidenceMy Profile

  19. Lisa
    Twitter:
    October 8, 2013 at 6:05 am #

    Donna, great advice! I love #3 and that happens to me too often and it sure is annoying. I think of all my FB friends only 10% really post (until I had connected my blogging buddies.) Many sit on the sidelines and watch the world go by on social media. Would you post more than 2x a day if you had a lot of followers/friends? I don’t like overposting, it can be a killer too. Thanks for sharing these great tips Donna!
    Lisa recently posted..Why Are So Many Blogging Today?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 10:06 pm #

      Hi Lisa!

      I wouldn’t post more than 2x a day, unless there was some buzz going around. Then I’ll share some information if there is a bug in one of the systems.

      I don’t like overposting either. I just hate it when someone posts 10 things at once…it clogs up my feed.

      There were several people that I had to “unfriend” on FB because of that.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  20. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    October 8, 2013 at 12:35 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Being positive is absolutely the best attitude to take on social sites.

    Good tips!

    Especially for shy people.

    If you get creative you can come out of your shell and connect with others.

    Thanks 🙂
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..How Can You Break Bad Habits?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 12:09 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      That’s what I aim to do this week….helping the shy people to get out on the social sites.

      With Google’s new ranking system, they do collect information from our social activity also now. So I find it important to light a fire under those shy shoes…

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  21. Chrysta Bairre October 7, 2013 at 10:19 pm #

    Thanks for sharing these great tips, Donna!

    I already do some of these things, including posting pet photos :), and I am excited to have a few new suggestions to go outside my comfort zone with social media. The suggestion I like best is to share my own quotes- what a great idea!

    Have a grateful day!

    Chrysta
    Chrysta Bairre recently posted..When is it okay to give up?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi Chrysta and welcome!

      Sharing your original quotes goes a long way on FB, Twitter and even LinedIn. I’ve done that a while back and tested it. My oh my…I received a bunch of re-tweets, and new friends on Twitter.

      On Facebook, a bunch of “likes” and several comments. I just started a notepad on my computer and kept it on my desktop. When something hit me…I wrote it down. I think I’m up to 100 of my own quotes so far.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  22. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    October 7, 2013 at 9:49 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    All those tips work. At least the ones I’ve tried that you mention here do work for me.

    Recently, I posted a photo of me and my kitty Sophie, a photo of me saying that it was going to be my new avatar and on Sunday, yesterday, as I was thinking about my Tony who died on October 6, 2011 I posted a picture of him in his lovely memory.

    I’ve got tons of comments and likes on all three. I know I should do this more often.

    Thank you for those tips, I know you’re rock on Facebook!
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Thankful Monday!My Profile

  23. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    October 7, 2013 at 9:24 pm #

    Wow Donna.

    Thanks for all of these tips. Despite my interaction, I feel I can always improve more with my social media and I’m always at a loss as what to say to get conversation started.

    Every one of these tips are exactly what I need to step up my game in social media. Excellent and right on time. 🙂

    Thank you so much. Great post and much needed by many of us.
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Who Do You Follow on Twitter?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 12:01 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      With your personality I am sure you will do great initiating a conversation on Facebook.

      How about a picture of one of your dogs? I think you have 4 right? Everyone likes a cute little furry face.

      But it comes down to persistence. Just like Adrienne does….A question of the day and then later a video. And then a few comments on other people’s FB posts.

      That good old persistence and patience gets us a long way!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  24. Gladys
    Twitter:
    October 7, 2013 at 7:43 pm #

    Hi Ms. Donna

    Thank you for this post, because it is for me.

    My personality is not being shy, but not having the knowledge.

    So here I go..how would I share your post on twitter?

    When someone shares my post, exactly what is the procedure for me to thank them?

    But all of your tips are great.
    I will make a bigger effort to go more on Facebook.

    Thank you again
    Gladys
    Gladys recently posted..How To Build Your Self WorthMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 11:58 am #

      Hi Gladys,

      It is easy when it comes to Twitter! All you do is push the share button and there you go. I may come back to you and say “thanks Gladys, have a wonderful week ahead” or something like that.

      When someone shares your post on Twitter, you can thank them and also say something like this: TY and I just loved the comment you made on my blog” A short line like this can start a conversation.

      I’m sure you have a lot to say on Facebook Gladys. You know so much and can share an inspirational quote of your own, or think of anything that applies to your niche.

      Eventually, you will get a response!

      Go for it Girl!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  25. Liz McGee
    Twitter:
    October 7, 2013 at 5:40 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’ve actually printed these ideas out. I’ve used many of them but to have them in a list I can refer to often is a big help when you need a quick idea.

    I really need to get use to sharing more thoughts, I just don’t think to do that often enough.

    Anyway, going to make a conscious effort to start engaging more. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

    Liz
    Liz McGee recently posted..How To Get Google To Trust Your SiteMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 11:55 am #

      Hi Liz!

      Happy that I could be of help to you. It is important to get on social sites, not only for engagement, but to play nice with Google.

      If you find yourself trying to share more my golden rule is 10 minutes on Facebook 3x a day. See what works. There is always someone out there telling us what is the best time to be on FB or other social sites. But in reality, we do have to feel our way around a bit to see when our friends are hanging out there.

      I found for me, it is mid day EST and late night. I like to relax and socialize late night and so do a lot of my peeps.

      Give it a try….it is all trial and error and you will find your way!

      Thank you so much for stopping by,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  26. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    October 7, 2013 at 2:02 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I enjoyed your tips 🙂

    Yes, it does make me wonder why people are shy, but when I think of my time when I’d started off with social media, it had been just the same way because you really don’t know how people are going to react to what you share. I think it’s over time that you become a little confident about what you share, or perhaps when you interact more and have friend’s you can relate to.

    I totally agree with your points, especially the ones about pets, or even babies, or a makeover if you’ve had one recently! (I loved your new hair color!!) I think when you share a little of your personal self or life with others, they relate best to that. Oh yes…quotes are my all time favorites and I mostly share those because I want to run-away from FB or I get too caught up replying to the numerous comments and notifications I keep getting thereafter, just as I’d mentioned earlier.

    Nevertheless, it’s fun to be on the various social media platforms, provided you have the free time to interact and be with friend’s. Yes, time’s actually never there, we all just need to go out there and create it – isn’t it? I perhaps do a little of that on weekends, provided my kid’s set me free, or else this blogger-cum-writer turns to a chef on weekends…lol…:)

    Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..How Social Media Can Rock CausesMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 8, 2013 at 11:51 am #

      Harleena,

      Oh How I love your quotes!!!! You sure do know how to pick them! Sometimes when I read what you posted, I take a break and reflect upon them. Keep it up! I enjoy them.

      I know how time is of the essence for us all. But then we do have to have a social media presence. That’s why I jump on and off each platform every day.

      I cannot keep up with all the notifications, nor would I. I just scan and see what is out there for 5 minutes.

      I do find that late night works for me the best. It’s my “down time” and I get into lots of conversations.

      I know how busy you are with the kids and admire how much work you get done in just one day!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  27. Reginald October 6, 2013 at 10:41 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Well written indeed. For me, I make sure I post a few times on social media thanks to buffer and give some likes and comments from time to time. No biggy on that but it is always great to contribute a bit back to the communiy right?

    A good way is to join groups and that can help you build reputation too! Not to forget, create friends.

  28. Nile October 6, 2013 at 7:01 pm #

    Great tips!

    I like to throw away the box…. it use to be the think outside of the box, but after reading a Deepak Chopra quote on this, I think getting rid of it allows you to think without the idea of any confining ideas, people, or emotions.

    Side note (your first point made me think about it) -I’d love a new kitty… my previous cat was ran over earlier this year and I keep feeling lately that I’d like another one.
    Nile recently posted..How To Display Excerpts in GenesisMy Profile

  29. nick catricala October 6, 2013 at 7:01 pm #

    Donna,
    wow, you are a great coach.. thanks so much for sharing your 10 things to get into the social media flow 🙂

    If I was not into the B3 group, perhaps I would not even know what social media sharing was… so never mind go to find niches and what ever else… wow, you sure know what you are doing, no wonder you know so many people… you help all of them move forward into directions that they may not be familiar because they trust you.. that is grand.

    Your 10 things to do to get out of the box on social media are simple things but as I see them, they are very powerful once applied.

    Thanks so much as always Donna.. always helpful from the ehart.
    All the best.
    _nickc
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 7, 2013 at 7:31 pm #

      Thanks Nick!

      I was leading up to this from my past posts so I could help encourage those who may be shy. Those that may not think they have the time for social media.

      But in today’s business, social media is much needed.

      Thank you for you kind words,

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

  30. Jeevan Jacob John October 6, 2013 at 6:31 pm #

    Great tips, Donna 🙂

    I have tried many of these, such as inventing my own quotes (I loved doing that. I still do it, but to a lesser extent. Perhaps I should work on that).

    I do share quotes though 😀 (And questions..). I use Buffer app, so I have to buffer up the tweets for my schedules 😀 It works well, except for weekends 😉 I don’t blog [very much] during weekends. I have to work on fixing that. Schedule Saturday updates on Fri afternoon? Yup, that should work.

    I started my new FB Page a weeks back. I was disappointed, at first, for not getting that many likes. But, then I remembered back to my blogging days (Well, before I quit last year) – never give up. Time will bring success 😀

    Anyways, thank you for sharing your insights, Donna 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 7, 2013 at 4:23 pm #

      Absolutely Jeevan!

      Never give up! Things do take time to flourish. I would say keep on inventing your own quotes. Do I foresee an ebook? he he

      Yes, weekends are slow, but there are those who have jobs during the week and focus on the weekends to engage.

      I have a bunch of peeps like that. So it is a seven day a week for me on social media.

      Trick is, on my FB page, I set up posts for the week. Sometimes one or two. All I have to do is go to my page and share it. In two minutes I’m done! Then I visit FB again and see all the responses.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

      • Jeevan Jacob John October 7, 2013 at 9:08 pm #

        Hehe 😀 No, at least not yet 😉

        I remember writing an eBook – a memoir or memorandum. I think it was a memorandum. I am not sure what I was thinking back then 😀 It was basically a collection of all the best blog posts I have ever written. I didn’t finish the book (lost my interest, I think. I don’t remember much about it).

        The problem with my FB page is that when I share stuff via Buffer, I can’t tag any of blog owners (So none of them will know that I shared their stuff. Well, in perfect world, that would be alright. But, I am selfish :D).

  31. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    October 6, 2013 at 5:25 pm #

    These are great tips Donna and I’m surprised at the number of people online today that are still somewhat shy. I know, not everyone has our outgoing personality and it’s probably harder for them to either make friends or start conversations.

    What you shared here is great and especially sharing photos of your pet. We all love animals and definitely have something to say about those.

    Posting positive or inspirational quotes is a great one too and you can always comment on the ones that your friends shared too. They’ll appreciate that and it just opens it for more conversation.

    Also share some fun videos because I always love watching funny ones or even the ones that make me go OMG!!!

    Great shares here and I’m sure your shy friends will find these very helpful. Great way to break the ice and just get started.

    Have a great week young lady.

    ~Adrienne
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 7, 2013 at 4:20 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      Well if there is anyone who knows how to do this it is you my friend. Your questions of the day, videos and your comments are great.

      You my dear are a master at this. I guess it is our personalities that keep us out there and going. Also our sense of humor!

      Those lacking, an outgoing personality or a sense of humor need a little nudge. This is why I wrote the post!

      Thanks so much and I’ll see you later this week!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Get Out Of Your Box On Social MediaMy Profile

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