Much of the content of 52 Weeks of Meaningful Connections has focused on how to tap into your network to help YOU answer questions. This week, let’s turn the tables. What skills, expertise or passion do you have that you love to share with others?
Your challenge for this week is to get out there and share your gifts. You might be thinking: but I don’t host a podcast, write a blog, have access to a webinar platform or have fancy video equipment. You don’t need to. Here are ideas on how you can use readily available tools and social media sites to share – for free and without any technical knowledge or equipment required.
- Write a long social post about your subject matter. A popular trend on both LinkedIn and Facebook is to write a long post. People can access your greatest thinking without clicking over to a website (or requiring that you have a blog). This is how Glennon Doyle got her start.
- Post your article to LinkedIn or other free content sites like Medium.com. If you want something that is a bit longer lasting than a social media post, consider turning it into an article. I’ve done this with a handful of my blog articles as a way to spread the message differently and to have readily available content for those who are looking at my LinkedIn profile.
- Record a video. You see them on all platforms. I’ve been doing them as part of this series. All you need is the camera on your phone or computer. With even a bit of time, you can slide your videos into a program like GarageBand or iMovie and add in special effects or text. You don’t have to have a YouTube channel. You can post your video directly to all social channels (some only allow certain lengths.) My coach Apryl did this for an entire month to share her dance moves on Instagram and it made people happy to see her doing something she loved!
- Host a Facebook Live. If you want to take this as an opportunity to teach or answer questions, schedule a time to do a Facebook Live and let your network know when to tune in. They can participate live or after-the-fact. This is what my friend John has done to engage his followers. Check out his Facebook page or YouTube channel to catch the replays!
- Show your stuff on Instagram. If pictures are more your thing, consider sharing your knowledge through an Instagram story or series of photos.
- Offer to teach or lead a class in your community. If offline is your style, check with your church, school, or local community center about how you could share your idea or expertise at an upcoming event or gathering. If you have something you are passionate about, there is likely a group waiting to hear your perspective.
The hardest part about this challenge will likely be clicking “publish” or “go live”. If you feel the flicker of doubt creeping in, remember that those who are interested will stop to check out what you’ve done and those who aren’t will scroll right by. Don’t worry yourself with what others might think / say / do with your expertise. Just get it out there.
Have fun with this. If you love to cook, let others in on making your favorite recipe. If you love to write, share a bit of a something you wrote. Sing songs? Record a short video.
Allowing others to see you in the expert’s seat will help tighten your bond. While the .0005% might get their big break doing this, for the rest of us, the main goal is to find a new way to make meaningful connections through our passions and gifts.
Let me in on your shares! Tag me on social media when you post your idea or invite me to the class you are giving in your community!
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