#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. 

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.