(I paraphrase) “Social Media is nothing but a party. Frame in your habits and behaviors while using it as if you are at a cocktail party.

What would you talk about with the people you know or don’t know yet at a cocktail party?

Would you dive right in to your strong religious or political beliefs and work the room to convert everyone to your way of thinking?

Would you market your business and try to sell everyone in the room your product or service?

Would you show everyone inappropriate pictures and make lewd comments?

Would you get drunk or high and act a fool?

In short . . . Would you be THAT ass-hat who everyone talks about the next day (and beyond)?

I’m thinking: “Probably not!”

So . . . What IS social media to you?

Are you looking for new friends, keeping in touch with old friends, promoting your business or cause, or simply enjoying it as a distraction from “real life?”

• Habit
• Obsession
• Anger management instrument
• Soap-box
• Stalking tool
• Procrastination enabler
• Drama groupie
• Addiction
• and so on

Why do you participate?

Does your use Social media fulfill you in some way?

• Joy
• Mental stimulation
• Emotional support
• Leads for your business
• Connection with people with whom you wouldn’t otherwise connect
• ?

I frequently see people disappear from social for a period of time only to return and comment that they “left” because there was too much drama and anger.

Every one of us can “control” our experience on social media just as we can at a cocktail party.

If someone’s being a jerk, we can “Unfollow” or “unfriend.”

If someone makes inappropriate comments on our “wall,” we can delete these comments.

For me, social media is a way of sharing life with others. I either invited my “Friends” to my party or they invited me to their party.

My “wall” is my party and your “wall” is YOUR party.

Be a gracious Host or Guest and participate responsibly.

Don’t forget the law of 2 Feet: “If at any time you find yourself in a place (Cocktail Party/Social Media Venue) in which your are not contributing or receiving value (being fulfilled), it is up to YOU to do something about it by using your two feet (or mouse) to take yourself to a place where you can contribute and receive.”

You’re hereby invited to my party:

• https://www.instagram.com/barryo06/
• https://www.facebook.com/barryo06
• https://www.facebook.com/ParetoRealty/
• www.linkedin.com/in/barryowen
• Twitter @BarryOwen

About Barry Owen

Residential Real Estate Principal Broker and Founder of Pareto Realty, LLC. Creating the quintessential real estate firm with emphasis on "Live, Work, & Play" balance . . . and a true Performance Oriented environment for Real Estate Professionals. Serving the Real estate needs of Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee.