What is Social Networking Karma? Why am I talking about it? First let's back up and examine the idea of Karma...
Karma, the Golden Rule, "What goes around comes around," - whatever you call it, it's a concept that has been around for for a long time. When you do nice things for other's, it often comes back to you in wonderful and unexpected ways. Right?
Now let me ask you a question. Do you ever get tired of promoting yourself? I know I do! There have definitely been times when I get tired of tooting my own horn and where I feel like I'm just blabbing to the universe with no feedback. The various social networking sites were starting to feel pointless. That's when I started thinking about Social Networking Karma.
Now, I don't want you to think I came upon this idea on my own, this has been a long process and I know that there have been a lot of different artists who've given me individual ideas that I eventually pulled together into a whole!
How it works:
Social Networking Karma happens when you promote artists (authors, bloggers, etc), other than yourself. You can do this in a lot of ways! See something you like? Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, or your blog! Then, and this is key, tell that person where you've shared it and send them a link. You'll be amazed at the results!
Since I've started practicing this habit the results have blown me away. I've had people e-mail me and tell me that I've made their day because they had a horrible day and having someone do something nice just totally floored them. I've had people tell me that they were considering shutting down their shop, then I promoted them, and it made them think that maybe there is some value to their work. I've also had a lot of people return the favor and promote me in one way or another.
There's no feeling like it! When they return the promotion, it's great, but it's the people who's day's I make, or who I end up building a relationship with them as a result, that I love :)
I'm going to be talking about some different approaches to practice Social Networking Karma over the next few weeks. Specifically we'll be talking about Twitter, Facebook, and Blogging. I may add to that list as I continue to explore the topic!
9 comments:
I absolutely believe in it!! Thats why I do http://dailyhandmadepicks.blogspot.com to feature a cool artisan every day!!! Self promotion does NOTHING if you don't reciprocate! :)
You have a generous soul, Ruthie, and I am sure that all this generosity is coming back in unexpected ways.
See you on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/ileana.munteanu/posts/202221839798732
http://www.facebook.com/ileana.munteanu/posts/202221839798732?notif_t=like#!/pages/Enchanted-Beads/138237306212358
I think you have outlined the right approach Rose! Thank you for featuring my new pendant.
Ruthie, such a great concept yet so few people do this. I think that I am going to set some time aside each week to do some cross promoting.
I always feature 4 or 5 artists every Friday on my blog and it's so fun getting the responses from them and my readers too!
Your comments are right on. When I opened your ArtFire message this morning that you had featured my cuff, I was delightfully surprised. I've been in a slump lately thinking my work will never be good enough to be noticed and now you've given me a little ray of hope. Thank you so much!
This is a great concept and it really does makes someone's day. I love sending convos on Friday Feature day :) People are so greateful for the feature :)
You said, Ruthie, Amen, Sista'! Starting or finishing your day with someone doing something nice for you is almost extict, or so it feels some days. So when it happens its a reminder that there are thoughtful people still left in the world. And when you get to reciprocate, it just makes it all the better. Great post, I look forward to more!
Melissa
Great post, Ruthie! You're so right about this and about how tiresome it can be to be always promotion oneself! Thanks for writing this.
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