Hey Fabulous Health Professionals,
I know that a lot of us in private practice have become very focused on our online presence lately. We’re learning about copywriting for our websites, wanting to craft the perfect About page, and trying our hand at content marketing through creating relevant content for our blogs.
This is something I do for my own practice. So I understand the frustration that comes from the blog post that got depressingly low traffic, the social media update that nobody liked and the email that got exactly zero engagement.
It hurts. We spend so much time on this stuff and in many ways we pour our hearts into what we put out there.
But… are we becoming self-absorbed?
Are we forgetting that a real conversation has to go both ways?
Something I’ve been noticing lately is that we can be guilty of asking for engagement without being willing to give it in return.
How much time do you spend trawling for content and information, without giving a thought to how much the author would love a comment or response in return?
Are we spending too much time lurking and not enough time engaging?
Is this coming from a hint of self-absorption? Are we, despite our best intentions, becoming so fixated on ourselves that we’re forgetting to champion and cheer on others in our space? To be part of a conversation bigger than ourselves? To turn our attention outward rather than inward?
Or perhaps… the lurking, the hiding, is coming from a place of fear. From not wanting to be seen and judged and compared to what others are doing.
Is there a little part of you that feels your work is done once you hit publish – because that’s all you should have to do? Does it feel safe to know that the blog you toiled over won’t be seen by anyone because that means it (and you) won’t be judged if no one reads it? Are you still unwilling to take a stand for what you believe in?
So what’s driving your lack of engagement with your peers and community? What’s behind this unwillingness to be part of the conversation?
Is it voyeurism? Is it a desire to gather information at all costs, to keep tabs on who’s doing what and who your next competitor is? Are you biding your time and waiting for the perfect moment to announce that you’ve arrived? Are you hoarding information and intel in the hope that you’ll finally figure out THE THING you need to know that will guarantee your success?
If this is you, waiting for a sign and waiting for permission, expect to be disappointed. There will never be a perfect time and there will always be competitors. (Side note… competition is just a sign that there is demand for what you are offering. Doesn’t seem so scary now, does it?)
If you’re looking for increased engagement, it’s time to reflect on your own willingness to be part of the two-way conversation.
Are you willing to engage with the work of others, to be brave enough to put yourself out there (and potentially receive some scrutiny)? Are you willing to be considerate enough to respond to the hard work of others before you complain that no one wants to talk about what you’re up to and what you have to offer?
When it comes to engagement, it’s time to lead by example.
Next time you read something useful – let the author know.
Next time you smile at a facebook update – give it a like or comment.
Next time you LOVE a blog post someone else has written – open up that comment box and become part of the conversation.
How can you be part of the conversation today?
Image by r2hox is licensed under CC by 2.0.
ABOUT JO
Jo Muirhead is a Rehabilitation Counsellor with over 20 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation. Jo is a mentor to allied health professionals who are ready to make freedom, flexibility and fulfilment happen in 2016. Click here to download the free guide: How to Find Freedom in Your Private Practice.
Jo is the creator of the Book of Evidence.
Share this:
Jo; great perspective! I admit I’ve been guilty of being totally mindless in this respect; I am an admitted voyeur. I really appreciate this post today; I will be more aware and mindfull in engaging and connecting to the conversation. Thanks!
Hey Sarah, I really appreciate you stopping by and commenting. I am pretty sure that you are not the only Voyeur in the “room”, and here’s to hoping that you comment will inspire others to be more mindful and intentional too.
Afternoon Jo:
I have to say thank you, as a new therapist I find you blogs very helpful. Each one I read gives me something to consider. You’re last one about how we relate to money really gave me pause. This one too causes some introspection. I know I don’t often respond to blogs or post, not because I didn’t like the post but often because there is so much hating online I don’t want to become a part of it. I think this falls under fear and it is something I realize I need to work through if I want success, because that same fear that prevents me from responding to a post will prevent me from achieving my goals. Thank you for getting me ( us) to begin thinking about this stuff.
Hello Mychal, I am so glad you stopped by and chose to respond here. Thank you for your kind words. There is just so much hate online ins’t there! I hate that there is so much hate. I remember the fist time I was “trolled” upon by some horrible person on FB, who actually dared to ask who had done my gender change surgery because they apparently ” stuffed it up”. So not necessary.
There is no need for you, me or anyone to engage n the hate – so you can make the stand not to do that. Then you can find your tribe of people who won’t tolerate it, like me. I don’t allow gossip or hate anywhere near my community. And I am loving that you can see that this fear of not engaging online in may be consistent with the same fear that prevent you from you achieving your goals. That’s such a HUGE realization – I applaud you!!!!
Its my please to help you ( and others) think – I don’t think there is enough thinking in this world – we need more thinking and the ability to think.
Beautiful example, Jo! You continue to be inspirational to me. Thank you.
Hello Kate, Thank you for stopping by and commenting, I appreciate you!
This was so right on! I admit I am making more of an effort to comment on blogs and give my 2 cents. It’s rare to get that back so I can really relate to that part. What we give we get back but I cannot expect because I give, what I choose to. Thanks Jo!
Hi Michelle, Doesn’t it just feel awful when you put your heart and soul into a piece of work and feel like no one has noticed? It makes me question if I have anything of value to say and if its actually helpful. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment here. I appreciate you!
Yes, love this and could not agree more! Well done 🙂
And I appreciate you Mari – thank you
Love this!! Going to mindful to appreciate others work. Often times I don’t comment feeling like I have nothing to say, but to acknowledge the value can be just as beneficial. Thank you!!!
Thank you Catherine, I know it can feel difficult at times to response or engage, after all what if we say something that other’s think is silly, or unhelpful – or if people want to criticise us openly online – I battle with this all the time, is this something you find difficult to manage?
I appreciate you stopping by and commencing here!
This is spot on, Jo! Way to name the elephant and inspire some introspective sorting around in the brain cap!
Hey Lori
Nothing like making the elephant sit up and take notice! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Very much appreciated
Jo, I’ve always admired the energy you put into supporting others. I mostly don’t engage, but you inspire me to support you. This was a good article for me to read today. <3
Thank you Jane! I appreciate you taking the time to write this comment. Very much appreciated
“Or perhaps… the lurking, the hiding, is coming from a place of fear. From not wanting to be seen and judged and compared to what others are doing.”
Nailed it. 🙁 I don’t blog–because I’m scared to. My practice sits empty because I fear engaging with others and don’t know how to fill it. My own fear and depression keeps me from helping others, even though I know in my heart that is what I do best.
Oh Kathie, thank you for your honesty and care in commenting on this blog. We can help you over this hurdle. Please know you are not aloe. There are many excellent clinicians who are scared and who don’t know where to turn. Small, easy to digest steps would be a great place to start. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to talk through this some more!