Can Social Media Enhance Your Creativity?

You have no doubt heard by now about Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter - three of the most popular Social Media platforms. You may be wondering what all the fuss is about and why you would want to add one more thing to your daily TO DO list. Wouldn't it be a distraction?

Here are three reasons to get involved with Social Media:

1. It's fun, and fun enhances creativity.  
2. It reduces the isolation of working alone and puts you in touch with people from all over the world with all sorts of interests, giving you more fodder for your creative process.
3. You can "check your pulse" about what you are doing, giving yourself the self-reflection of journaling but in jiffy. 

I have an account at all three Social Media platforms mentioned above, but must admit to being hooked on Twitter at this point. I've been a member there for four days, have 23 followers (friends) and am following 36 people (I read what they are up to). I love it because 

• It's quick (140 characters only) to answer the question, "What are you doing?", 
• I'm connected with people in my area (like a friend who no longer answers email but responds to Twitter "tweets") and around the world (Phillipines, China, and England), and
• I'm "listening in" on conversations from people in totally different professions from mine as well as meeting folks with similar interests.

Social Media is about authenticity, connecting, and building relationships. It provides the "watercooler conversations" that many of us Creative Entrepreneurs no longer enjoy since we often work alone. 

Before you dismiss Social Media, give it a try. Here's how:

To get going on Twitter (lots going on - quickly)

1. Go here. 
2. Create your free account. 
3. Connect with me on Twitter here.
4. Click the "Follow" button under my picture. I'll get a notice and will start following you too. That way we can interact online.
5. Start "tweeting" by answering the question "What are you doing?" and clicking the UPDATE button.
6. Go here to search for people you know or interests you would like to "follow" (like beading, painting, graphic design, etc.)
7. Check in as you like.

To start using Facebook (more social):

1. Go here. 
2. Open your free account.
3. Put my name (Adele Michal) in the search box on the upper right.  
4. Click "View Profile" when my listing comes up. 
5. Choose "Add as a Friend" on the right. 
6. I'll get the message and connect with you as your friend. 
7. Check in and post to find out what folks are doing and to connect. 

To use LinkedIn (more professional):

1. Go here.
2. Start your free account and log in. 
3. Put my name (Adele Michal) in the search box on the upper right.
4. Click on "Add to my network".  
5. I'll get a notice and will connect with you. 
6. Fill in your profile. 
7. Search for other friends, colleagues, and interest areas.

You may find that the stimulation of a different window on the world enhances your creativity. And you might get hooked too!