Write it anyway.

We have become so conditioned to likes, shares, views, applause, recognition, and reposts. We write things hoping they will find favor with others. We study the analytics and feel seen and heard when those analytics demonstrate success. It's easy to get caught up in the game of social media. We may couch opinions and thoughts to get those attaboys. We may craft language to get the satisfaction of the applause. We may write 'grab ya' headlines and post exciting and eye-catching photos and videos to satisfy the social media gods. Or we may stop writing altogether.

Albeit, analytics aren't without merit. They are measuring tools and indicators, of course. But I challenge us to look beyond the metrics and share our honest thoughts, musings and ruminations without regard to the measurable performance. Consider this:

✔ Your thoughts, wisdom and lessons learned matter. They will be published and enter the sphere of collective wisdom just by hitting 'send'. Don't deprive others of your insights. If you are nudged to share, do. We need your #input.

✔ Not everyone that reads responds. Unless a reader takes action (like, share or otherwise prove their readership) their view likely doesn't show up in the analytics. There are many private readers and passive partakers of your content that are unknown to you.

✔ Write for your audience, not the masses. Not everyone is your audience. Not everything you say is applicable to all. Identify YOUR audience and write for those you wish to reach.

Social media has opened doors for people to share their work, their achievements and their experiences. I love the wide variety of thought I find on LinkedIn. Commit to share your wisdom with your audience for the value of having done so. Stop measuring the worth of your contribution by the metrics. Contribute without consideration of whether you've made an indelible footprint that can be seen. I promise you there are many who are learning from you and secretly head nodding or applauding your contribution. Even if it feels your post will be unseen or you wonder if anyone is listening, write it anyway. We need you.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

#communitydevelopmentprofessionals #collective #collectivewisdom #content #socialmedia #posts #learning #sharedlearning