There's No Place Like Social Media!

by Jessica Northey
In honor of Halloween, on this Finger Candy Friday, I offer a story:

Once upon a time there was a girl, and her dog. They lived somewhere….under the sun, and lots of it!
She was a friendly, ambitious, creative SocialMediologist….and the fairest maid in all the land (ummm it’s my story.)  She dreamt about one day helping people while working with Entertainers and hoped to make the world a better place…..one tweet at a time ;)

On a serious note, I was watching the “The Wizard of Oz” the other day and thought , “what can I learn from this movie that I can apply to my life and how I use Social Media?”

In the story, Dorothy is knocked unconscious during a tornado. She, her dog and the farmhouse are swept up in the storm and dropped into the magical Land of Oz, where she sets out on the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz to return her to Kansas. During her journey, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and a Lion, who join her, hoping to receive what they lack themselves. They are pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants her dead sister's magic ruby slippers, now worn by Dorothy.

So what can we learn from Dorothy’s adventure that we can apply to Social Media usage?

-We are all searching for something, somewhere
Social Media is a mirror of real life and has taught me to reach inside for answers. When you have faith in yourself and stop apologizing for your opinions/ pundit like behavior, you will feel the strength of your convictions. There is no magic solution, just determination and perspiration.

-Sometimes it takes a tornado to make us change
I have been in a place where I was unhappy with my circumstances but still unmotivated to do anything about it;  therefore my complaints were self deprecating and useless as far as getting me results. I think most people can agree that when we get complacent it’s easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and even more so if you are convinced it is a train coming towards you.  

-Were not in Kansas anymore
Web 2.0 is changing everything and while it is as easy as one click, there is still work involved in planning, launching and maintaining your social media presence and platforms. You can manage your own expectations by setting goals.

-You can’t always control where you land
Gramma used to say, “look down at your feet and you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be”, followed by something holy, like “God doesn’t make mistakes”.  It’s your job to make the best out of the circumstances you are given. SO, when the pavement meets the road put on those cute heels and ease on down!

-Listen to that little voice
Most of us are adults and have learned the difference between right and wrong. I am not here to preach morals. I find that it is important to listen to my conscience when it is giving me guidance or direction. If you pay attention and listen closely you will feel good about yourself, your choices and you might sleep well at night.

-"I'll get you, my pretty. And your little dog, too!"
I like to quote Chris Brogan; he says; “No matter what, someone, somewhere thinks you are doing it wrong.” I like to add that you know you’ve made it when you start getting critics.

-Follow the yellow brick road
The Wizard of Oz is suspected to have referenced several political issues of the late 1800's. The issue of a Gold Standard which leads to power was said to be the symbolism of the “Yellow Brick Road.” Follow the brightest road ahead of you and bring along all the characters that empower you with their smarts, love and strength.

-If I only had a brain
Collect as much knowledge as you can. Read books, take webinars, download whitepapers, buy books or e-books etc. There are so many great ideas out there for you to pick and chose from!

-Learn to trust your heart
“Be faithful to that which you were called” has been my motto. Whatever your calling is, or what you can’t stop thinking about, is what you are meant to do.

-Courage happens when you let it
Courage is the confrontation of fear, pain, risk, uncertainty, or intimidation. Sometimes my worst enemy is between my own two ears. If you ask me it is quite alright to “fake it until you make it” internally.

-Show me the money
What does your Emerald City look like? I don’t think it’s necessarily about the money for me. If you know me you are probably saying ‘what’, but I have found that if my clients are successful and making money than so am I. Money is not the end all be all. I take pride in the fact that a job worth doing is worth doing well!  

-Sometimes the answer is at your feet
It was actually at my fingertips…I just had to get that in, still my story!

There is no place like finding your home….online!