There are a couple of ways to evaluate effectiveness. Look at the quantitative data including the number of people you are reaching (followers, friends, likes). Also look for your influencers (when certain people respond, others will follow). People are like a flock of birds in many ways, we eat, travel and rest in unison.

The other, perhaps most important factor to take into account, is the qualitative information gleaned from social networks. This feedback is the most important tool in evaluating effectiveness for it means that your messaging has reached it’s intended audience and has compelled them to action.

So, when you are evaluating social networking effectiveness, look at both you quantitative and qualitative data for a balanced view of your work!

I think the adage of slow and steady wins the race is so true. During those days of paddling, I recite that saying in my head. I am working toward a goal, one with many moving parts. Each part must be paid attention to and handled appropriately because each part plays an integral role in the bigger picture. Soon, slowly and steadily, that bigger picture unveils itself and before I know it, I’ve accomplished my goal.

Social networking is like what I’ve described above. You feel as if you are paddling through a seemingly endless pool of sites, widgets, blogs, characters, likes and friends. You may think to yourself, why am I doing this? Then, all of the sudden, you get that first inquiry of interest. One where a complete stranger is asking you for your insight. It is at that moment that it all begins to make sense. Because it is that feedback that helps to crystallize your vision and mission.

Just remember, slow and steady win the race!

Shared via Pulse

Sent from my iPad

Shared via Pulse

Sent from my iPad

I believe things happen for a reason and sometimes that reason is not obvious to us at first.  Rather than flounder in feelings of being lost or adrift, we should embrace the journey and follow the path that opens itself up to us.

It occurs to me that we all train for races every day. That race to hit the snooze button on the alarm clock, the race to get ready because you’ve hit snooze one too many times.

Then there’s the race to work only to get stuck in the slow moving morning traffic. In the age of Outlook, we race to keep our appointments as the reminder window pops up, then we race to complete all of the tasks that arose from the appointment.

We rush through lunch and then the rest of the day. Finally, the mad rush home to hurry up and do as much as you can. Then what?

I say, do what you can when you can at a pace you feel comfortable. Life isn’t a race to be won, but something to be savored.