6 Ways to Leverage Your Time Using Social Media

These best practice tips will help you get more things done in less time.

  1. Distinguish between what’s personal and what’s business. There’s a difference. Focus on the business so you don’t get side tracked by using social media for personal use. Once you know where you are going, it’s easier to focus on how to get there.
  2. Designate a specific tool (PC, smart phone or laptop), space and amount of time each day to use social media. Stick to it until it becomes a routine.
  3. Take a course or read a book on how to organize your time before you attempt to master social media. Social media does not make you efficient or effective. You must use discretion to make the most of social media.
  4. Make a commitment. No ands, ifs or butts on your social media effort. Do it or don’t do it. There’s no in between.
  5. Know your goal. Do you want to increase sales, broaden your constituency base or become an expert in your industry? Will you be sending articles of interest, videos of value or information on your company? Decide.
  6. Link your social media sites together. Try HootSuite (www.hootsuite.com) or NetVibes (www.netvibes.com). These serve as social media dashboards for using Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, etc.

About the Author: Global business expert Laurel Delaney is the founder of GlobeTrade.com (a Global TradeSource, Ltd. company). She also is the creator of “Borderbuster,” an e-newsletter, and The Global Small Business Blog, all highly regarded for their global small business coverage. You can reach Delaney at ldelaney@globetrade.com or follow her on Twitter @LaurelDelaney