A safe harbor where beliefs are respected and kindness prevails.

Kathy Stover Article Archive

Cleaning Your Social Media House, It’s A Spring Forward

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Fotolia_55911346_Subscription_Monthly_MHave you ever wondered why some people can just Spring forward with ease, go through their things each year and purge, while others have a more difficult time. Maybe you are one of those people who can easily adapt and shift to new things, or maybe its hard for you to move forward and let go.

Making room for new things in our lives is so important; it is much like a breath of fresh air on a cool spring morning. It allows us to think clearly, create new ideas, and connect with ourselves and others. I know for me it’s a bit of a process although I find that the quicker I move through, the better I feel and the more creative I become.

With that being said; there is some major yet subtle shifting going on in marketing and social media this year. Platforms that were once the rage are loosing ground and making room for fresh, new ideas. It is very important to evaluate and understand when its time to clean out, change up and work with new ideas in your business. Sometimes where we feel most comfortable is not the best fit for profitability or ROI in your business. Understand that by shifting, cleaning out the old and making room for the new is where growth flourishes in all aspects of our life.

Social Media platforms that worked last year won’t necessisarly work for you in the same capacity. I’m not saying to stop working any of them, what I am saying is take a look at what was not working or the best fit  for your business last year and know that there are many changes going on constantly in all of the platforms. Look for the trends and the new offerings that may be advantageous this year.

A few suggestions to consider:

1. Clean house on your Social media platforms (Freshen up your look)

2. Keep yourself open to trying new platforms (Mobile is HUGE)

3. Spring into videos! Try micro video apps like Vine and Instagram’s video sharing.

4.  Identifying which content will result in maximum engagement on which networks.

5. Connecting with people on a more personal level. (Understand that serving others, serves you)

I believe 2014 is the year of great shift and change and that by clearing out now, knowing that the platform you choose to use for your business matters, stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to the flux and change as we maneuver through the year will provide unlimited growth for you and your business.

We Are Waiting to Meet You

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KSWhen I was a child and someone new would move into the neighborhood, I remember Mom and the other neighborhood women welcoming them with home-baked goodies and an invitation to coffee. If it were near the holidays, you would get a sense that they were family, as the invitation to share at the table with us was always open.

I’ve always thought of technology and the provisions we have with social media to be much the same. We can enjoy a warm chat and a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s a place of invitation to join me at my family’s table, so to speak. A few short years ago, some of these platforms were primarily for marketing purposes. Now, it has become much more. With the Holidays fast approaching, sharing with family and new and old friends allows us to share what this time of year means to each and every one of us, regardless of our beliefs.

I’ve heard lately that connections are the new currency. In my opinion, connections and relationships have always been valuable – with and without technology – and not just for the monetization of our business, but adding to the wealth of our personal lives. What social media and technology give us is the ability to sit, chat and connect easily with anyone worldwide.

It’s interesting to note that in this amazing time of connection, we have the freedom to know more about other cultures and share opinions and thoughts; unexpected doors open – ones that may not have been open before or that we didn’t even know existed. We can connect with anyone with any given talent or ability, process or product – just with the click of a button. How cool is that! How we show up in any of these places really isn’t any different than meeting someone in person, although we’re now able to do it continually, on a regular basis, 24/7.

More than any other time in history, we have the ability to not only create sustainable business, but also to create long standing and fulfilling friendships and partnerships. Whether  you are new to social media or a seasoned online veteran, there are, in my opinion, several important things that make a difference in how we share up and show up.

1. Be Authentic. You can share the eyes of your soul and your light within, albeit digitally, and it might be virtual for the relationship and connection in the beginning, but it doesn’t mean it will stay that way. I’ve met hundreds of people in person that I once only knew online.

2. Smile. I know this sounds a little silly, right? People can feel the energy in your words.   They have a sense of who you are by what you write. Even without a photo.

3. Collaborate. Your gifts are meant to be shared. Connections bring the right people to collaborate with  – people who can help you spread your gifts in ways you never imagined.

4. Listen. There is a lot of noise out there with all of the postings, ads and photos. But if you listen, you will be able to respond to those that seek you, your gifts and your knowledge. They will be open to hear you beyond the noise, beyond the confusion.

5. Provide value. Regardless of what the reasoning is behind the connection you’ve made, you’ve created a friendship or impacted a business. I always say; exceed the perceived value. You will be rewarded.

As the Holiday season grows near, take this time to not only connect with family and friends but to reconnect with old friends, and make new ones anywhere in the world. And share your gift …We are waiting!

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