Frequently I am asked how I find time to “do” social media. My answer is simple, “How do you find time to answer the telephone?”

For me, social media is a part of communications. Personally I use it to write this blog and share ideas and thoughts with NFPW members, peers and colleagues.  It’s a platform by which I can engage with many across miles while we converse (I hope). Over time, I hope to build some loyalty to this blog and to NFPW. I use it for the same reasons at work.

If you aren’t working on engaging, conversing and building loyalty, no matter what platform you use, you are going to have a difficult time communicating, growing your customer base or sharing ideas.

Conversation by nadydesign

Social media is about the art of conversation. It’s about relationships. You need to ask questions, engage and share information through links. Most importantly, it’s about trust.

As with any communications tool, you need to have the necessary resources. Obviously I need a computer and Internet. But I also need access to images. More importantly, I need time. I build my social media time into my day — or should I say evening?

I’ve created a schedule of posts and ideas. It’s not easy committing to twice weekly posts but it’s my self-imposed goal, and after doing this for more than six months now, I’m beginning to develop a small following. Thanks to each of you for tuning in; more importantly, thank you for sharing your suggestions, which I try to incorporate into future posts.

Reading other posts and commenting also is important. It’s not all about me. It’s about engaging. I learn so much from others. I presented on this topic last month at the Richmond PRSA meeting. This week Jon Newman, a colleague, is tackling the subject from a different angle, and I’ll be attending the session because I know I will get a fresh perspective.

Metrics are important, too. For me, it’s not about the number of followers. I’m interested in the number of comments I receive – either online, via email or face to face. After all, I want to engage and converse with my fellow NFPW members and colleagues.