Social media usage in a small business can create burnout when it is not used in a balanced way. Since social media is being embraced heavily by small businesses, business owners need to learn how to effectively monitor social networks and avoid burnout.

Business owners can not camp out all day on social media. Nor can they bring their business social media into their family time without consequences. Over use of social media can lead to burnout. It’s great to be on social media and use it for business, but social media cannot be allowed to control our lives. It’s supposed to be a tool, not a burden.

Jason Cruz writes… “I suppose the takeaway from all of this is balance. This isn’t about spending half the day doing something we may or may not enjoy. This is about balancing what’s truly important and beneficial for us. If clicking open your latest notification will steal another couple of minutes from your day – when you could be out running, with your friends, or sipping a nice cup of coffee – maybe it really is time to turn off notifications permanently.” Here’s the link to the rest of the article.

I am seeing comments and hearing conversations like this more and more; especially in small business circles. Extra time is what most small businesses don’t seem to have a lot of. Most small business owners are busy and many are in dire need of a rest. Now I know some are not. But most of us are. In these changing times, we know we need to continue to market to our customers. But there remains the frustration of keeping a work life balance. Jason says it best when he says… “This is about balancing what’s truly important and beneficial for us.” As business owners, we need to find that balance.

With that in mind, here are some steps for creating balance using social media:

  • Determine how you are going to run your social media. How much time are you prepared to spend each day? Maybe 1 hour per day spread out over 6 ten minute intervals.
  • Determine which social networks will benefit your business and stick with them. Be good at a couple; not bad at many. For example, Facebook and Twitter.
  • Use auto-scheduling for some of your social media posts. This will enable you to quickly schedule your posts so that you can be visible throughout the day. Make sure you schedule your posts when you will be around, and not asleep. I use Buffer to auto-schedule.
  • Use a smart phone to monitor what comes back your way when you are out and about. Use those dead moments to check for notifications. When waiting for an appointment, for example.
  • Fine tune your notifications so that only important ones are coming to you. Maybe the notification that Jimmy likes your post can wait till later.
  • Protect family and friend time. There are times to shut all of your devices down.

I realize that social media is becoming a vital part in small business marketing. But social media should never be a means to your next burn out. Make sure you learn how to use social media wisely and understand that you need to maintain a work life balance. Thanks just a smart thing to do. I like what Oprah has to say on the matter… “When I know better, I do better“.

Please remember that social media is supposed to be a tool, not a burden.

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