#31DaysOfKindess It's On!

It all started when my friend World Champ Ryan Avery presented a challenge. For those of you who know me personally, you know, when there's a challenge like this, I just can't resist. And resist, I could not. 

Ryan said (or, if he'd been raised here in North Carolina, he would have said) "Hey, y'all, come join me in this #31DaysOfKindess challenge!" Actually, what he did was spur us on not only to rise up to the challenge, but to share what we were doing on social media using the hashtag #31DaysOfKindness. Obviously, this does two things: 1) It keeps us accountable and on task, 2) It keeps us connected with others participating in the challenge. Honestly, I have dearly loved searching on #31DaysOfKindness and finding out what others are doing. (As you can see, just from this Twitter feed, I'm lovin' it.)

It's been amazing what is happening in my own life. It's certainly proving the wise old words of the Bible true: It's more blessed to give than to receive. On Ryan's page, when he wrote 'Let's make a difference in the lives of thousands...' I wonder if he realized those 'thousands' he spoke of included us, the ones he challenged. 

For instance, on Day 1 we hand wrote  thank you letters. I couldn't tell you, prior to this, how long it has been since I wrote a handwritten letter. Before the days of email, I would write at least a letter (or more) a week. That just fell by the wayside once sending an email or text message became the norm. We share and receive information in real time or within seconds. Why even bother writing a letter where the recipient won't get it for a day or two? Here's the beauty of it. Keep sending the emails and texts, but when it comes to expressing something heartfelt, like gratitude, honor that person by sending a handwritten letter. It will make a difference. The cool thing is, the day after the challenge, a woman whom I greatly admire bought my lunch and shared some valuable business tips. You guessed it. I sent another handwritten thank you letter. 

I'd say this challenge is not going to last just 31 days. The joy we're bringing to others, whether buying a coffee, sharing an article, offering an apology, these are the things that are making a difference. And there's just no stopping the kindness in the human heart once it gets fired up. 

If you're a part of the challenge, watch out. After 31 days I have a feeling you'll see life, and the people in it, a little differently, and you'll be seeking out ways to be kind. 

If you're not part of the challenge, it's never too late to step in and be kind. 

For a look at what happened on the Day 8: Give a book to a friend challenge, take a look at the video I posted on my Facebook page. (And while you're there, friend me.) 

Let's do what we members of the human race do best, be kind. Anything less is not enough. 

Rock on, 

Jean 

As a motivational humorous speaker, Jean Bailey Robor is available for corporate, civic and faith-based events. Book her here. 

She Tried to Slap Me, But...

She was a friend. On Facebook. And a little more than an acquaintance in ‘real life.’ We’d had some respectful differences of opinion in the past. She leans to the left; I lean to the right. And, on some issues, we meet in the middle.

Today, I must have pushed her over the edge.

Here’s what happened.

I read an article on Facebook as I often do in the mornings before I get out of bed. It’s sort of a routine. Grab the phone, turn off the alarm, check the social media sites. Yeah, I’m a creature of habit. Someone had posted an article that I found interesting if a bit disturbing.  Although I’m not the most political person, as an American citizen, I feel a certain obligation to keep informed about what’s going on in my country, whether I agree with it or not.

I knew, from the content, if I reposted the article I would get some backlash. So, as I posted it, I added this disclaimer to my post: “This isn't a political post.  Just sharing something that I find disturbing from a former Secret Service agent.” I figured my Facebook friends, several of whom have differing yet intelligent opinions, might post a little response and I looked forward to reading their take on this. Little did I know that within minutes of posting, I would be severely judged.

How do you feel when you’ve been judged by someone? The thing is, we can’t control what others choose to think or feel; we can only control ourselves. So when I saw a private message within minutes of re-posting that article, I knew just how it felt to be judged unfairly.  This is the message I received: “I think it is time for me to unfriend you. I don't think I knew who you were in the past. The blatantly unChristian things that I have read with racist overtones have truly surprised me. I will pray for you.”

For anyone who truly knows me, you know that this does not paint an accurate picture of who I am. Yeah, I’m that gal that posts all the warm fuzzy stuff on your Facebook page. The one who wants to encourage other people to live above, not beneath, their circumstances. The one who quotes Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

Ultimately, I’m a big girl. I can take it. Now, just 12 hours later, I found another post on my page. Not an article this time, but a quote. A quote that spoke to my heart: “No matter how good a person you are there will always be someone criticizing you.” It felt like validation. Must be a God-thing.

Yeah. You know I shared that one. (You can check out my Facebook page to be sure.)

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather choose to be content than let someone else’s opinion of me dictate who I truly am.  There will always be someone criticizing you. The best we can do, you and me, is to define our purpose and live it. It won’t make us perfect but it will help us be perfectly content in our own skin.

So next time when someone tries to verbally slap you in the face, take heart. Remember who you are and Whose you are. And live life happy.

And, if it helps, remember I’ve been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.

 

Jean

Social Media? It Works for Me!

I knew 2012 would be a good year. I just had a feeling. Do you ever get that? Somehow it just feels like good things are coming even when you can’t see what’s coming. It all started way before 2012 when I first discovered social media. You know, Twitter, Facebook, etc. I had no idea how valuable my discovery would be.

Today, I use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn regularly to stay connected, make new connections, promote ideas, services and products and, let’s face it, goof off a bit at the end of the day. I believe in sprinkling in some fun with your business.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that, even though social media can work for me, it can also be a time-sucker. That’s why I think it’s so important to be aware of the time spent and the reasons why you’re using it in the first place.

For pleasure:

Tip #1- Be sure you’re aware of how much time you’re spending online each day.

Tip #2- Don’t allow social media to get in the way of face-to-face relationships with friends and family.

Tip #3- Have fun but be aware that anything you post online is there to stay for the world to see (including your spouse, your kids, your pastor, your boss and your mother).

For business:

Tip #1- While connecting electronically is important, there is no substitute for face-to-face and phone conversations to make a strong connection.

Tip #2- Post regularly; stay current. (Use HootSuite to schedule posts and post to multiple social media sites simultaneously.)

Tip #3- Get the word out about yourself, your products / services BUT be sure to offer value to potential clients (i.e. helpful articles, tips to make their lives easier, etc) and, above all, be a friend.

Because of using social media sites, I’ve gained exposure that I never would have gained otherwise. I’ve sold products, acquired clients and speaking engagements. In fact, just this week I was featured in a newspaper article. And I didn’t even have to ask for it. It all started when a reporter contacted me via Twitter. You can read the article here. (By the way, I just love that my local newspaper sees the value in using social media.)

It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to build your presence, build your brand and stay current. You have to be interesting and approachable. And, whether you’re using social media for business or pleasure, never post when you’re emotional. We all have our moments and there are some moments we should just keep to ourselves. 

2012 isn’t over yet. And although I’ve experienced a lot of good things, I have an idea, like my mom says, the best is yet to come. How about you? Do you feel it? We’re only halfway there. Will the last part of 2012 bring good things for you? Believe it! And use social media sites to help make it happen!

To your success,

Jean

For more information on how to get started using social media, email me.