Four Ways Social Media Management and Raising Kids are Similar

I read a really funny article today that included a list of things you should never, ever say to a working mom. I've heard almost all of them over the last 15 years, but here are a few I've heard lately:

I’d give anything to get away from my kids all day!
I’d miss my children too much.
Can’t you afford to stay home?

Awkward, right? I work full time--always have--and I adore my three kids (twin six year olds and an eight year old). Since I’ve worked their entire lives, I’ve heard my share of strange comments. But I’ll tell you; working in social media has its advantages and is often very similar to juggling a family.

Both are 24/7 Jobs
Your job just blends in with the rest of your life. Doctor appointments, homework, email, meetings, dinner, reports, and travel. You make it all work and stay connected all of the time.

Social Media Is Unpredictable
If you aren’t able to handle surprises, you’re in for a tough road on both sides. Experience matters, but we are dealing with people, so anything can happen!

Transparency Required. Be Human.
As a brand, if you don’t show your human side and work hard on those really personal interactions, you’ll lose your audience. Same goes with kids. They are smart. They know when you aren’t forthcoming. Faking it falls flat.

Time is of the Essence!
When a customer with 100,000 followers gets mad and tweets about it, you better be ready. As a mom, you learn to stuff your purse with fruit rollups, granola bars, and juice boxes to avoid the dreaded sugar crash and quick trip to the end of the world as we know it.

Got a couple of minutes to digest some quick tips to improve your social media strategy? Check out Social Media Quick Plays.

Have a great day and stay strong out there!