Is leaving social media a privilege?

This was the question on mind after reading the comments on last week's Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith - a real masterclass in doing just enough when it comes to the platforms. Virginia shared how she's opted out of social media that doesn't feel good or bring in business, and pared back posting in favour of investing time and energy into revenue-generating activities. 

The comment that caught my eye suggested that we don't talk enough about how not using social media is a privilege. The poster said that if you can leave social media it means you don't have to worry about getting your work out to the world or building a platform. 

But who among us doesn't have to worry about promoting our work? Even Taylor Swift is out here cheering for Kansas City ahead of today's Eras tour film release! 

I wonder if what this is really about is fear. I understand how it may feel foolhardy to willingly opt out of a chance for someone to learn about you or your work. 

As self-employed folks, we have a lot more agency to leave social media than we are led to believe, no matter what kind of business you run or the size of your platform. 

If social media is the place where you get all your clients or business opportunities, then of course stepping away from it might not be the greatest business decision - especially if you don't have other sources of generating leads. 

(I'll tell you what happened when I declared I was done with social media without a plan in sometime soon)

The conversation made me think of a quote I shared in last week's newsletter (that I of course saw on IG, where else!): 

“Social media is hard to ignore because it's addictive, not because it's useful.” 

Is this useful is the fundamental question to ask when evaluating any marketing channel or opportunity. 

• Is this helping me attract and connect with the right audience or my customers?

• Will this help me make sales?

• Do I have capacity or want to put in the necessary work to make this useful? 

There are never clear or easy answers to these questions; and there isn't a right answer for everyone or a secret magic formula you can plug and play. 

It comes down to a deep and clear understanding of your business foundations, the first step of any successful and sustainable marketing strategy. 

Informed, intentional business decision making starts with knowing what is true for you and your business - like knowing if social media is actually contributing to sales or if it's just something that you feel like you have to do, or are too scared to stop. 

Shout-out to my friend and forever social-media free inspo, Amelia Hruby for the energizing conversation we had on this topic! 

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If you need support in untangling the usefulness of social media for your business or uncovering your business foundations, let's hop on a call and chat.