Whether hiking or in your social media, the amount of control have you is key for success in what you want to accomplish. So it’s important to realize the trade-offs that come with different types of hiking and the social media you are using.
- In hiking, there are three basic types of hikes you can do:
Group hikes – This provides the least amount of control as you are at the mercy of the slowest hiker, group decision can be made that may veto your personal preferences, and your personal goals for the hike may not be met. Yet there is value in this type of hike because of the wisdom, comradery, connections and help others can provide. - Partner hikes – This provides you more control as you are choosing a partner who is more aligned with your goals (for the given hike) and there is a sense of trust that allows for deeper conversations to take place along the way.
- Individual hikes – This gives you the most control, as you can set your own pace, destination, and have more time for inward reflection along the way. But at the same time, you have to be better prepared and carry everything you need for the hike. There is no one else to rely on.
One type of hike isn’t necessary better than others, they are just different and I use all three.
Our social media presence is very similar as there are three basic types of social media you can use:
- Facebook – This (like Group hikes) is by far the most common, easy to use, and provides the least amount of control. Others can post comments on your posts that you don’t want to be seen or they can tag you in one of their post, with the result appearing on your Facebook page.
- LinkedIn – This (like partner hikes) provides more control and allows for more detailed professional information to be shared. I can also see who has visited my LinkedIn page and it allows me to see more specific information about others. As I’m in a job change point in my career right now, I can use Linkedin to see the picture, name spelling, and background of individuals for upcoming job interviews. And others can see the same about me.
- Personal Website – This (like Individual hikes) provide you the most control, as it provides you the most freedom for: setting your content, the Personal Brand you want to convey, and the reason for creating your site. This also takes the most work, as you have to determine your domain name, the purpose for your site, content, and other factors.
With all the hype we have around hiking and our social media presence, I think we have forgotten or have never taken the time to ask, “Why am I doing this in the first place?” The most important thing with all these types of hikes, is to know what your hiking goals and then determine how to use all three of these types of hikes. My basic hiking goal is to hike 3 times a week, covering 15 miles, with 4,000 feet elevation gain. And do this year-round into my 90’s… For social media, have you ever stopped to ask yourself “Why am I really spending all this time on Facebook, LinkedIn or your Personal Website (if you have one). Answering these questions, will help you better know how to spend your time going forward. And yes, I do have a Personal Website. You can find me on the web at alandersen.co For me it is becoming the home for all my Trail Tips (22 done so far) and other thoughts I want to share. Or as my tag line says,
Providing inspiration for your journeys on the Trail, Personal, and Work Life
While my Trail Tips are currently on Face Book, LinkedIn, and some on my Personal Website, over time they will all reside on my Personal Website, allowing me to have the most control on the content and brand I want to convey on social media.
Al Andersen 