SUMMERTIME IS
HERE.
You might say Social Media is the Antithesis / Antichrist of all things … Social. Like: Being Present, Being Active, Living your Real Life, just to name a few. Au Contraire. Social Media, when used responsibly, enhances all things Social. I’m going to provide 3 Simple Guidelines { because who like Rules } + use Rochester, NY to tell you how! Because, after all, #YOLO.
Vibe With Your Community
How does one strike that delicate balance between SM junkie + SM savvy?? Listen here:
1. Be Discreet. Only check Instagram when on the toilet.
- Insta picture junkie, I am + I admit. I have a very narrow filter for when I do + don’t post pics because, well … Instant. { However, anything that requires major editing, I wait. }
- Scrolling / Liking / Commenting junkie, on the other hand, I abstain. I save the big-read for very private, alone times. Such as when I first wake-up. Or when I pee and … Just kidding! But you get what I mean. { And also, don’t do that. That’s gross. }
Why is this important? We don’t want SM to consume our actual social lives. Talk to your friends. Listen to their conversations. It’s fun. Promise — real socializing is pretty great.
2. Be Free. Let Instagram reflect the most pure you.
- No one’s judging. Unlike Twitter, Instagram has no lists. Give yourself permission to be select with who you do + don’t follow! It’s also okay to Follow individuals who post incredible content, even if you don’t know them.
- Wear your heart on your sleeve. It’s also okay to Like! Tap that heart, baby. Leave comments when inspired. Don’t be shy. This is what SM is for.
It’s for getting to know your fellow community.
{ And for anyone — me! — who is confused about Post Notifications + the new Inst-algorithim-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, or Understood, … read here. }
Why is this important? For several reasons. The biggest being: Social Media should enhance our identity + individuality. You have control over that. Harness SM to hone You.
3. Follow Local. Restaurants, Organizations, Stores, Events, Local Bloggers — follow, follow, follow!
- Guess how many events happened in Rochester, NY last weekend? ... 4! At least. How many did I know about?? 1. By following local accounts, I learned 400% more than what I thought. This is powerful.
- What were these events? The one I knew about is … Rochester Greek Festival 2016!! I go almost every year. If I didn’t know, tantalizing pics of authentic Greek food posted by my fellow Insta-foodie’s would have given it away. What else happened? There was:
- The Fast & The Furriest. Which actually is doggy heaven!! It’s a fundraiser / race-walk / dog festival for local animal shelter, Verona Street Animal Shelter. { Look at these cute puppies!!! }
- The Show on Monroe. This Sideshow Street Fair on 1 of Rochester’s quirkiest streets involves a Scavenger Hunt, a tree-like man walking on stilts { at least that went down last year }, + all sorts of vendors. Do they have their own Insta? No! But that’s why we Follow Local: businesses cross-promote. { PS: here are some awesome pics. }
- Spokes + Ink. Yay synergy! … This coincides with Show on Monroe! Genesee Center for the Arts & Education celebrates all things bike + art in this simultaneous street festival that has, “local artists, cold beer, live music, unique vendors, and stuff for the kids,”. { See some promo + praise for it … here! }
Why is this important? Because the more you know, the more you grow. The more you share + interact, the more your community grows.
So get on it!
Follow your community on Instagram.
And Follow Me! Because Child, there’s even more than that happening in the Roc this week!
- South Wedge Sip & Shop: This Thursday!! And every 3rd Thursday until October. { Thank you Thread for this Insta. }
- South Wedge Third Thursday Concerts: Also this Thursday + every 3rd until October. { Thank you South Wedge + Star Alley Park … next to Lux. }
- Lux Lounge Events: Always a Party! Game Nights, Dance Parties, PB+J, B Movie Wednesdays. { If you’re bored, you’re boring because Lux + Chill. }
So … Go Out, Get Out, Insta-Responsibly, Be Present. And, always, Be Local.
#YOLO.
#bepresent.
#belocal.