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Category Archives: Social Media

Jellybeans

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If this statement by Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do,” was literal, what kind of person would you be? If you pooled all the ways you spend your time and organized them into percentages, what one thing would hold most of your time? Hopefully it’s something you’re passionate about.

Let’s break it down even further- take a minute to identify the top five ways you spend your time and then ask yourself this: Is one item in pursuit of  something you’re passionate about? 

I’ve been thinking about how hard it is to create something authentically yours in this life. To improve something around you and give back to society in some way is daunting. It’s so easy to become complacent- or not even complacent, just busy!

Some of you may have seen this before, but it’s a perfect illustration of this very concept- a man put together this visual presentation using jellybeans, to represent the amount of time we have to devote to everything in our lives. It’s pretty compelling…

It really made me stop and think about how I’m spending my free time. This goes back to having goals or benchmarks of some sort so that you can measure your progress and keep motivated. Even something silly like a Bucket List can help you try to achieve things you otherwise might not be focused on.

If you haven’t carved out a niche for yourself yet, don’t worry. My best advice would be to figure out something that you’re passionate about and think about how you can do it on a larger scale, or in a way that can benefit others.  If its something you’re interested in, other people will be too.  Maybe there’s an experience you’ve gone through or a life struggle that has you made you stronger. Find a way to help other’s navigate the same thing.

Hopefully this post has jarred some thoughts or feelings loose in you. Hopefully when I mentioned something you’re passionate about, you knew exactly what that is for you. Or maybe you’ve already started and you can think of this post as a boost for you to continue. Go be you.

Be protective of your time. Because you only get so much.

See ya next time!

Brooke

Ask Meaningful Questions…

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While thinking about what topic I wanted to discuss today, I stumbled on THESE QUESTIONS that are psychologically intended to bring people closer. You can go through them with a good friend, family member, in a group setting or even on a social media site. If you ask these questions to someone you’re romantically involved with it will raise the stakes and make things interesting! The questions are designed to target specifics that will reveal a persons character/hopes/intentions/regrets etc.

Today I thought it would be fun to answer some of them, so you can get to know me better. I’m going to choose 10 random questions. If there’s one you really wanted to know that I skip, next time you see me… ask away. If you want to take part or answer some of them, I would love to hear your answers too.

39 Thought Provoking Questions

1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

No, I don’t think I would want to be famous. I like my privacy and I’ve already been through times where I’ve been judged up and down. I don’t really care to go through that again, although I would handle it much better now. I would like to be influential in some way, leave my mark on the world, but I don’t think that necessarily equates to being famous. If I was famous for something I would like to think it would be for something I’m passionate about… maybe from writing a book someday.

3. Before making a phone call, do you ever rehearse what you’re going to say? Why?

No. I think I’m better when I’m just real and off the cuff. If I think about something too much I might talk myself out of it. I’m a believer in saying things that need to be said, even if it’s hard. Lay it all out on the table. Life’s too short to be anything other than  boldly authentic.

4. What would constitute a perfect day for you?

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

I sing all the time! I used to perform quite a bit and miss doing that. Let’s see, the last time I sang to myself was in the car ride back from the library with my little man an hour ago, and I was rocking out to Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” and Pharrell’s “Happy.” The last time I sang to someone else was last weekend when I was doing yard work and had music blaring on the jambox. Does that count?

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or the body of a 30 year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you choose?

7. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common.

We both love to laugh about everything. We’re both wicked smart. Hah, no that’s just him. We both have the cutest kids in the world.

9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

Undoubtedly, my family. I cherish them and all their shenanigans. I am also extremely grateful for all our of our health. Knock on wood.

10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

11. Take four minutes and tell you partner your life story in as much detail as possible.

12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

14. Is there something that you’ve dreamt of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?

15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

16. What do you value most in a friendship?

I value friends who are genuine. I value friends who can make me laugh and who don’t take themselves too seriously. I value friends who make me want to be better and work harder. I value friends who aren’t judgmental. I value friends who are innovative and creative. I value friends who are honest. 

17. What is your most treasured memory?

18. What is your most terrible memory?

19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?

20. What does friendship mean to you?

21. What roles do love and affection play in your life?

22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.

23. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s?

My family was very close growing up and still to this day. I’m the oldest of six kids and and feel very lucky to have all my siblings in my life. We’ve had our share of hardships and bumpy times as we each have gone through things, but I think all of those things made us stronger. It’s the hard stuff that binds you.

24. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?

25. Make three true “we” statements each. For instance, “we are both in this room feeling…”

26. Complete this sentence “I wish I had someone with whom I could share…”

27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.

28. Tell your partner what you like about them: be honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met.

29. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.

30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?

I cried when my grandpa passed away. Death is so hard for me to wrap my head around. The hurt just sneaks up on you in unexpected moments. Love that man.

31. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.

32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

33. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?

34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

My laptop! It has all my pictures of my family (I kind of have a problem… I’m a bit obsessed with pictures) and it also has a zillion hours of things I’ve written. 

35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?

36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.

37. If you could choose the sex and physical appearance of your soon-to-be-born child, would you do it?

Ah! This is a hard one. Of course you want to give your child all the best opportunities in the world… but the question is WHAT makes something the best opportunity? I know many beautiful/handsome people who are unkind or nasty. And how could I give more weight to one gender or the other? I would talk myself in circles trying to decide this one. I don’t think I would want to do it. If I did, I would always blame myself for any ramifications. AH. This one makes me feel stressed out. 

38. Would you be willing to have horrible nightmares for a year if you would be rewarded with extraordinary wealth?

39. While on a trip to another city, your spouse/lover meets and spends a night with an exciting stranger. Given they will never meet again, and you will not otherwise learn of the incident, would you want your partner to tell you about it?

Well…. I’ve already answered ten! Hah

Alright, I had fun answering these and I hope they make you think. If you answer any questions on a social media site be sure to tag me. Or hopefully they will generate some interesting conversation with someone!

We’re half way through the daylight savings nonsense week! See ya next time!

Brooke

DAY 1: 30 Days to love Yourself Project – ME TIME

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It’s Day 1 of my 30 Days to Love Yourself Project!  A fresh start, ripe with potential. A gift to yourself.

Day 1 Focus: Carve out one hour of ME time. Relish it without guilt.

The Blurb: To launch this project, I thought a little ME TIME would be a good place to start. If I magically wedged an extra hour of the day today and you had ZERO responsibilities, how would you spend your time? ME TIME is guilt free. It’s what puts a smile on your face, makes you feel lighter, rejuvenated and whole.

Suggestions:  Book. Go outside. Dinner with friend. Workout. Favorite show. Massage. Movie. Cook favorite meal. Coffee/hot chocolate. Bath. Call your BFF. Favorite social media site. Snooze.

Keeping it Real: It’s HARD to find the time to do this. It will take a little practice. I’ve found even if I just have a half hour of time to regroup, I’m MUCH happier and ready to face whatever is thrown my way, and with a toddler, I mean this literally. You are going to have to steal this time out of your day. If you aren’t focusing on it, it probably won’t happen.

For example, my ME time has been a little … nonexistent lately. So, I’m working on it. Today, my teething toddler took an early nap, which is totally out of character. I have a sink full of dishes. I’m in my workout clothes but haven’t done my workout yet. I need to switch the laundry and go grocery shopping. I have edits to work on. BUT. I’m taking a few minutes to sit at my kitchen table and work do this! Today this is fun for me! I’m excited to share this with you. So, I poured myself some chai, turned on some good music, and I’m typing away. Once I’m done, I’m going to keep listening to the book “The Goldfinch,” while I do my workout. BAM. Me time.

Tina Fey has some really funny things to say about ME TIME in her book, Bossypants. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s laugh-out-loud-funny, which of course we expect from her. I listened to the audio version and cracked up the whole time. Tina Fey reads it, which makes it even more awesome. Maybe you could download it for your ME TIME today!

Photo of the Day:

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Ok everyone! Let’s do this! It’s quick and easy and it will make you feel so much better about yourself. Let me know how it’s going for you. What did you do with your ME TIME today??

See you tomorrow! Feel free to share the image below to go along with what you’re doing!

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Brooke

 

30 Days to Love Yourself Project

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(SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE POST FOR THE RECAP OF EACH DAY’S FOCUS)

Today I’m launching my 30 Days to Love Yourself Project. I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of being confident in your own skin and the ripple effect feeling your best can have. With Valentines Day coming up in a month, I think its a great time to give yourself a little  extra love. When designing the items to include in this project, I wanted it to be really simple so that anyone can participate without feeling too overwhelmed. You can jump in any time during the 30 Days. There’s just one item to focus on per day – something you can accomplish in a day to reveal your best self, layer by layer.

Everyone is so busy with life’s obligations that often we end up neglecting ourselves. This is a little shout out to YOU. To remembering to squeeze in a little bit of time for yourself, WITHOUT GUILT.

Tomorrow we start implementing the 30 Days to Love Yourself Project so we will finish up the day before Valentines Day to have you feeling fantastic for whatever fun you have planned for the actual day. Each day I’ll post the “focus of the day” and a little snippet of something to encourage you. You can participate however you want –  leave a comment, send me an email (brooke@brookehargett.com) post pictures on a social networking site of how you interpret the day’s focus. Tag me! I’m so excited to see what you c0me up with – here are links to my Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest & Tumblr). Feel free to use the picture above to share what you’re doing with people around you.

If you would like my tips to come right into your Faceboook newsfeed, just Like my Facebook Page.

There’s nothing like the empowering feeling that confidence brings. It enhances everything you’re involved in and allows you to make new connections and put your best foot forward. Let’s do it together! Do it for yourself –  you deserve it! 30 Days to a happier, healthier YOU!

Below are the complied posts for my 30 Days to Love Yourself Project!

Day 1 Post: ME TIME

Day 2 Post: LET IT GO

Day 3 Post: CUT NEGATIVE EATING

Day 4 Post: GET OUTSIDE

Day 5 Post: WORKOUT

Day 6 Post: GRATITUDE

Day 7 Post: GET RID OF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS

Day 8 Post: CUT SUGAR

Day 9: SORT & DONATE

Day 10: REDUCE STRESS

Day 11: ROCK YOUR OUTFIT

Day 12: MEDITATE

Day 13: INDULGE

Day 14: APPEARANCE T.L.C.

Day 15:GUILTY PLEASURE

Day 16: GRAND GESTURE

Day 17: FEEL SEXY

Day 18: FAVORITE FEATURE

Day 19: MAKE YOUR SOUL HAPPY

Day 20: RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Day 21: DRINK MORE WATER

Day 22: SAY SOMETHING

Day 23: SLEEP

Day 24: SOMETHING FUN YOU’VE PUT OFF

Day 25: DOWN-TIME

Day 26: CONNECT

Day 27: CALL FAMILY MEMBER

Day 28: FORGIVE

Day 29: SPLURGE

Celebrate Love

 

 

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Brooke

 

“Mommy. Wake Up.”

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The other morning I was hunched on a small blue chair next to my little man at his red kid’s table. We were having breakfast and I was taking a second to glance through some things on my iphone when he put both his hands on my cheeks, bringing my attention to him and said, “Mommy. Wake up.”

It caught me off guard and I laughed at his word choice. When I’m with my little guy I try not to use my phone much except to snap pictures of him (that’s a whole other obsession), so that was a funny exception. But as the day went on, I started thinking about the amount of time during a day we are all on our phones- checking email, texts, calendars, pictures, messages or social media sites. His perception that I needed to “wake up” isn’t really that far off the mark about society in general.

This is a videoclip I watched a while ago- ironically on my phone- showcasing a woman’s day with without  her phone, while everyone around her is on their phones all the time:

Pretty interesting statement, don’t you think? It definitely made me think twice.

Over our holiday we went to our good friend’s cabin in northern California. It’s seriously the most beautiful place ever. Here’s a picture from one of our walks:

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One thing about their cabin is that most phones don’t have connection- same with the internet. I’m sure they could make it happen if they really wanted, but they embrace their time away from being connected to EVERYTHING. I have to say, it’s a refreshing break. It’s good for the kids to have to actually talk to one another- face to face instead of texting. It forces everyone to THINK, to engage, to read, to go outside, to cook, to make things, to play.

I think it’s important that as parents we remember to be present, to give our kids our full attention. I’m going to make a better effort.

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I’m committing to “WAKE UP.”

Brooke

I Read 50 Books in 2013- See My Top Recommendations!

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I finished 50 books in 2013! Today I’d like to share my TOP RECOMMENDATIONS. I can’t believe I actually got through them all! This is WAY more than I have ever read before, but after hearing from everywhere that to be a better writer I needed to READ everything I could, I set a goal for 50 (My husband kept saying WHY NOT 52 to make it a book a week??? But I like the nice, round number 50… and the two weeks leeway. To accomplish my goal, I used every book medium-  good old fashioned Books, Nook books, Books loaded on my I-phone, and to be honest the one I used the most this year was Audiobooks. Any time I was cleaning my house, driving long distances or working out I had an audiobook going. Needless to say my house is clean and I’m in excellent shape. Haha

Here are the contenders of the books I read in 2013 (in random order):

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Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 6.05.46 PM(*a few of the books I didn’t finish are listed among these but I couldn’t filter them out on Goodreads…)

I used Goodreads to track my progress, and I reviewed every book I read. You can go HERE to see my reviews. This was helpful to me to really pinpoint exactly what worked to me in the writing. It’s also fun to have a good resource with quick book descriptions to see if you want to pick up a particular book. Goodreads will let you track the books you’ve read during the year and update your progress on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or your Blog, which is a fun way to share the books you’re enjoying.

I had to break my recommendations down into categories or else it was WAAAAY too hard to pick because I read some amazing books this year! Plus it will be easier for you to choose from a category that you love!

Here are my TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

From Books I Read in 2013

Most Riveting Thriller

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Top Young Adult

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Most Heart-Wrenching

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Most Amazing Biography/Memoir

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Funniest:

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Best Romance:

(I have to break this one into two because they are so different… Best Young Love and Sexy Romance)

Best Young Love

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Sexy Romance

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Tearjerker:

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Book I thought about for days:

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Best Self Help:

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Most Beautiful Writing Style

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Most Anticipated:

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So there you have it! I hope one stood out to you. I can’t tell you how enriched I’ve felt while reading these. I’ve learned so much about people, emotions and the things people will do for those they love. Reading is a great way to experience things in a new way and stretch your boundaries. I used to only read thrillers because I liked that I couldn’t put them down. Over the last few years, I’ve found that my tastes have expanded and now I also enjoy books that are emotionally charged with multi-layered characters. I want to laugh, I want to cry, I want to get riled up. Just make me FEEL something.

I’m really excited for 2014. A new year and a new book challenge. How every many books you read last year- be it one, five, or twenty- see if you can outdo yourself in 2014. Reading will only  enhance your life.

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Now the the holidays are over, I’ll be back to my normal blogging (usually Tuesdays) once a week. If you’d like to receive my posts in your Facebook newsfeed, here’s the link to My Facebook Page and you can just hit the “like” button. Thanks!!

Bring it, 2014!!

Brooke

 

 

Six Degrees of Separation

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The theory of “Six Degrees of Separation” says that six steps of introduction from people is all that stands between you, and ANYONE else on the planet. So a “friend of a friend” can connect  any two people in maximum of six steps.

This theory is mind boggling to say the least. The other day I threw a baby shower for my girlfriend. We grew up in the same area of upstate New York and it always amazes me how we both ended up in Utah all these years later. Not to mention that we are still really close- what are the odds? Anyway, at the shower, I was chatting with one of the other women, and I learned she had also grown up near where I used to live in New York. She and my friend never knew each other while they lived out there- their husbands met in law school in Utah. When we started name dropping old friends, we realized we knew many of the same people. And then the kicker… her older brother was good friends with a guy I knew growing up- and I have an old picture of that guy WITH HER BROTHER in it. Whhhaaat? I couldn’t believe it.

Apparently four students watching Footloose couldn’t believe it either. They came up with a game called “The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” where essentially you find the shortest link between Kevin Bacon and any other actor, where two actors are connected if they’ve been in a show or commercial together. In September of 2012, Google made it possible to search any actor’s “Bacon Number.”

For Example: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Bacon Number is 2: Leonardo DiCaprio to Meryl Streep (Marvin’s Room)- Meryl Streep to Kevin Bacon (The River Wild).

You can look up any actor’s Bacon Number on The Oracle of Bacon.

And for fun, here’s a list of  17 People with Surprising Bacon Numbers.

In 2007 Kevin Bacon launched SixDegrees.org a website that built on the idea of the game by creating a charitable social network to inspire people to donate to charities online. Bacon will match the charitable donations of non-celebrity fund raisers with grants up to 10,000 each. The website allows you to give a “Good Card” as a gift, and the person can choose where the money is donated from over a million charities. You can also create a fundraising page or make your own donations. I applaud Kevin Bacon for pointing the focus to something so far reaching and charitable.

I’m sure at some point in your life you’ve said, “What a small world!”  It’s getting even smaller with technology and social media.  Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn are utilizing this principle to generate new business. According Sysomos, a company that monitors social media, the average distance between people on Twitter is 4.67 steps (source), instead of 6 steps. And on average, 50% of people on Twitter are less than 4 steps away from each other. That’s crazy! If you’d like to be within one step of me, you can follow me on Twitter!

I think it’s so interesting how intertwined everything is through social media! What are your favorite ways to connect with people? Have you had any crazy experiences like mine that made the world seem small? What’s your favorite actor’s Bacon Number? Or if you have a favorite charity on the SixDegrees.org site to recommend, I’d love to hear about it!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Brooke

Unsolicited Advice for the Future Generation

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This commercial cracks me up!  Especially with all the Social Media out there, it’s a pretty accurate portrayal of  how the younger generation view things.  What ever happened to going outside?  Or having conversations with people… face to face?  An alarming amount of communication is hidden behind texting, and while I’m all for efficiency, I feel like the next generation is growing up MISSING some of what makes life great!

In the spirit of passing along wisdom to the next generation, I’d like to offer some unsolicited advice to our young up-and-comers.  So, let’s have a conversation, and try to keep the eye rolling to a minimum…

Here are some things I’ve picked up along the way, that I wish I’d known when I was younger.

  • Don’t worry about what others think.  Be yourself in all of your original glory- that’s what draws people in.  Life it too short to spend it dwelling on negativity from others.  Be yourself, own it, and let everything else roll off your back.  You don’t have any room in your life for people that drain you.  If they aren’t giving enough back… let them go.
  • Go Outside– I promise it will heal your soul.  Take a walk, ride a bike, go up in the mountains, squish your toes in the sand at the beach, or just have a picnic at a park.  Get out in nature.  Breathe in the air and allow your problems to slip away.  Things that seem insurmountable will resolve themselves in your subconscious, or at least they won’t seem as insurmountable.
  • Don’t be afraid to be on your own.  As much fun as it is to be around friends and family all the time, its equally important to learn to be comfortable in your own space.  YOU create your own happiness, so get comfy with your bad self!
  • Don’t eat crap.  Be conscious of what you put into your body.  Pound the water, grab those fruits and veggies.  Cut out the sugar and processed foods.  Watch your portions.  Don’t eat late at night.  But know that as long as you are doing these things most of the time, it’s totally ok to indulge now and then.  Moderation is key.
  • End the day by thinking of something that you’re thankful for, then either write it down or tell someone about it.  You’ll be surprised how this one little act will change your attitude about your entire life.  I’m going to take the 30 Day Complaint Free Challenge, which should be much easier if I am focusing on what I’m thankful for instead of what’s bugging me.
  • Look people in the eye when you’re talking.  This seems to be a dying art as texting, emailing and facebooking don’t generate any kind of confidence in this area.  Try it- you will be amazed how captivating you will become.
  • Be honest.  Don’t lie, don’t talk about other’s behind their backs, don’t be catty.  The art of being a lady/gentleman will go a long way towards making and keeping friends.
  • If you make a mistake, fess up to it.  You will have a much better shot at patching things up, and you will keep respect that will otherwise be lost.  Most importantly on this one- say your sorry, and I mean actually say those words, “I’m sorry.”  You’ll be amazed at how it works.
  • Try new things and keep your options open.  Make a Bucket List and stretch yourself!  Having large and small goals along the way is what makes life great.  Taste that calamari, try out for the team, take the LSAT, do the study abroad, learn the language, pull an all-nighter, take that interview.  You are meant to be great- make it happen.
  • Figure out what you love and then DONT LET GO.  Make your work you passion.  Work harder than everyone else around you and cling to what you love.  Don’t listen to anyone that ever says you can’t do it.  Prove them wrong.
  • Look your best.  You will feel more confident if you just take a few minutes to present your best self.  For the ladies: Put on a little mascara, invest in a bra that fits, put on ear rings when you pull your hair up, wear clothes that flatter your figure, paint your toes.  Own a black dress- you can vamp it up or make it casual, it works in almost every scenario.  For the men: Be well groomed-shave that hair at the back of your neck, wear clothes that are tailored to your body type.  Have at least one pair of decent shoes, own a nice suit, but never underestimate the power of a guy in good jeans and a t-shirt.  Wear cologne, but not too much.  Smile.  A little class never hurt anyone.
  • Listen.  I mean really listen when someone is talking.  Take a genuine interest in people and what they’re going through.  You can learn enough to avoid some serious mistakes if you just open your ears.
  • Be good to your family.  Spend time with them and make them important in your life.  Forgive and mend relationships- as long as they are not unhealthy.  Ask your grandparents and parents questions before its too late.  Show up for events that are important to other family members.  Say I love you, and say it often.
  • Be active.  You only get one body- make it a healthy one.  Change up your workout routine so you don’t get bored. There’s lots of ways to get a workout in that doesn’t involve a gym membership.  Get friends involved.  You’re a lot more likely to succeed if you do it with someone.
  • Create traditions.  Involve those you love and find reasons to celebrate.  Celebrate holidays and make your own.  Have a reason to celebrate every month.  Do Taco Tuesdays, go to the lakehouse every summer, stay in your pajamas all day, meet up for happy hour, vacation to a new place the same week every year, take a road trip.  Always have something to look forward to!
  • Give back.  Nothing will pull you out of depression faster than doing something for someone else.  It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but to someone else, it can mean the world.
  • Don’t judge.  I promise, promise, promise you don’t know everything that person is going through, or has been through, or how hard they are fighting just to be who they are.  A little tip- there will be a point in your life when you hope with everything in you, that others will extend you the same courtesy.
  • Do something nice unexpectedly.  Bring flowers.  Surprise someone.  Send chocolate.  Write a love letter.  Bring coffee.  Send a text.  Clean a room.  Give a massage.  Leave a message.  Give a hug.  Bring dinner.  Spend time.
Well there you have it… little life-lesson gems from a seasoned veteran (haha) who hopes some of it will ring true.  I think life can be stripped down to the moments we spend with family and friends or in the pursuit of a passion.  All the rest is just filler.
What you would add- what little gems of advice do you have for the future generation?  What’s on your Bucket List? I’d love to hear from you!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Social Media Explained Through Coffee

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Social Media explained through coffee

 

 

Just in case you’re new to the social media extravaganza, this picture gives you the bottom line, in a language almost everyone can understand…  Coffee!

I am amazing by how far reaching and effective social media can be, not to mention how much fun!  How great is it that part of my job is keeping up with the latest of everything, following people I think are funny or interesting and looking at websites and blogs?  Information has never been more readily available, and the restriction of physical location doesn’t have to apply anymore.

People are motivated by relationships, by sensing an honest interest in them and their ideas.  With so much at our fingertips, it has never been more important to be YOU.  People hate feeling like they are being sold.  At least, I do.  All my walls come up if I think anyone is trying to pitch me by “overcoming my objections.”   Please.  That just makes me want to ninja-mind-control them into buying something from me.  I’ll sell you your own Kirby vacuum or website seminar.  I am not overcomable.

But, if someone takes a genuine interest in me, in things I care about, I’m all about supporting and promoting whatever is their THING.  Even though I’m admittedly a newbie with some of the social media sites, I’m loving all the interaction, the motivation I sense from others, the vibes of getting things done, even when it’s hard.  We are a generation of innovators, connected to a pulse though social media that generates support, gives second chances, and allows everyone to be purely themselves.

So, my advice in every outlet of social media, is BE YOU.  Be authentic, be approachable, be respectful and that’s when the magic will happen.

What’s your favorite social media outlet?  Where are you making the most meaningful connections?  You can find me on Twitter @brooke_hargett, my facebook page or my pinterest page.  I would love to hear from you.

Brooke

 

 

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