How I Participate in Social Networks
Inspired by Conversation Agent, Valeria Maltoni
There was a time when I was paranoid about having my name or anything about me online. As you can tell, I’ve gotten over it. ;-)
Still, I don’t believe (and never will) that social networking is a substitute for real conversation, my first love.
I do, however, enjoy engaging with smart and thoughtful people online. And I especially appreciate those who take the time to interact with me.
Like all things in life and in business, I want my engagement with others to be both reasonable and respectful. That means that throughout all my interactions, I strive to:
Web Site
Visit my web site, http://www.janodaniel.com, to learn more about my credentials, view my online portfolio and contact me to discuss business.
Blog
I blog at least weekly at http://www.TheDiversifiedWriter.com on my life as a working writer. By sharing the ins and outs of my writing and my life, I hope to make yours somehow better or easier. The only way I can give you something worthwhile is to have you engage with me. Please share your joys and struggles, ask a question, pose a “what if” or take a stance. Let’s learn from and with each other. Let’s challenge ourselves to try new things. Let’s let go of old conventions. Let’s create connections that change us for the better.
I use Twitter to stay current on news, information, relevant content and interesting people. Follow me @janodaniel.com. I share a little every weekday about content, writing or creativity. I read all of my @ replies and respond as appropriate. I don’t use bots or auto follows, choosing instead to follow people who promote dialogue and engagement and/or are thought provokers. I follow clients, editors, other writers and a few characters whom I find interesting in and of themselves like @sockington.
I friend people I know personally on my Facebook profile (either business or personal) and connect with those that I don’t know—because we haven’t met—on my fan page. My fan page is where I share the nitty-gritty of what I’m up to, projects I’m working on, where I’m going and who I’m meeting. My tweets also feed directly here so it’s kind of a two-for-one deal.
I use LinkedIn to connect professionally to colleagues. I accept invitations from people I’ve met or worked with. I give and get business recommendations here because these are the people who know my work the best. The people in my network are uniquely talented and generous with their time and resources. Be mindful and attentive when you engage for:
Any endorsement from me will be centered upon the specific project, time period and circumstance of our work together. Honesty and transparency matter a great deal to me, not to mention credibility and trust—none of which I take lightly. My tweets also feed here.
Newsletter
The third Tuesday of every month at 7:02 a.m. eastern, I publish a simple newsletter that contains a personal story mixed with practical tips and advice about writing and communications. I rarely self-promote, opting instead to act as a communications mentor, sharing practical advice for writers and non-writers alike. It’s also the place where I spin a yarn that let’s you get to know me a little more personally.
No CommentsPeople ask me all the time for writing advice. I give it. They listen … but often they don’t “do.”
Why?
Because I’m usually asking them to do something different than they’re used to doing. And unless they’re properly motivated, they won’t do it. We default to the status quo. It’s human nature.
No CommentsUm, coming up with five inspirations a week is proving to be more of a challenge than I thought. Tell me what inspires YOU …
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The Inspiration: My tea closet
The Why: It provides a yummy, no-cal break
The When: Every morning
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The Inspiration: monochromatic button collection
The Why: There’s something very orderly about this well-appointed collection I captured at the Amsterdam farmer’s market this past summer.
The When: Organizational inspiration and pure color pop enjoyment
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The Inspiration: 3 avocados, all in a row
The Why: They remind me of my rule of three.
The When: Whenever I need a guacamole fix or a reminder not to judge the inside by what’s on the outside.
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I’m a HUGE library fan but I do own a small collection of non-fiction books, namely my go-to books about writing, visual arts, blogging and organization.
The Inspiration: good books
The Why: You have to ask??
The When: When writing becomes a chore
No CommentsThe Inspiration: My iTunes music library
The Why: Instant soul stirring
The When: Whenever I want to dream or remember
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The Inspiration: My cat, Bailey
The Why: She’s adorable … especially when she burrows into warm-from-the-dryer T-shirts about two seconds after I set them down
Besides, every writer needs a cat.
The When: Daily
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I confess. I snapped this picture a few weeks ago when peaches were still in season, but I couldn’t resist sharing it today. (Brr. It’s cold and I miss late summer …)
The Inspiration: Basket of Ohio peaches
The Why: Oh, the gastronomic possibilities … cobblers, crisps, pies, parfaits and, of course, plain and sliced.
The When: Whenever I’m hungry for a taste of something sweet and luscious or a look at something gloriously beautiful.
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