Micro-blogging, does it work?

Early this week I watched a #BPWGoesDigital webinar called “The BLOG for BPW Communication” presented by Opeyemi Adeneye (BPW Nigeria). This 30-minutes video includes a short history of blogging and fabulous advice about how to use blogging to engage audiences and build communities.  The lessons that Opeyemi shared with members of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) are transferable.

The thing that I found most intriguing was that Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms are micro-blogging sites. I set that thought aside, and carried on with my “to do” list.  On Thursday, I found myself responding to requests for career and coaching advice in a Facebook group. I’m new to the group, and I was impressed with the advice that others offered. There are many amazing, knowledgeable people in our world. It occurred to me that the advice I shared could be the basis for this week’s blog.

One person was trying to decide if it was worth the investment to work with an accountability coach.  Several others in the group provided great advice. Here is an edited version of what I wrote:

Businesses take time and energy to grow. It's OK to go slow to start, to make sure that the business you're growing is the one you want. To grow it at a pace that works for you, so that you still have time for all the important aspects of your life. For example, the job paying your bills, getting time to rest and refresh your energy, time to grow your business, and for everything else that is important to you.

If you're getting an accountability coach because others have told you that your business should grow faster, I'd recommend doing some serious reflection before moving ahead. You have to find the pace that works for you.

If this is something you want, and are determined to do, and it will affect family finances, then an honest discussion with your family is important to set the conditions for success. Having a supportive spouse and/or family, who are willing to cut back on family expenses, so you can pursue your dream, makes all the difference in the world. Hopefully your family will pitch in to help out on the home front, and be willing to do what they can to support your business growth.

The example I shared to illustrate this teaching was that on Wednesday night during the BPW Trenton & District Club meeting I met a couple of women who decided to launch their own business. Kate & Davelynn, launched The County Emporium a community gathering space with a shop that sells locally made products. One of their husband's quit his job to become the primary care-giver for their two children under four years old, while his wife pursues her dream with her business partner. He also does maintenance at the business, and took over sales while we held our meeting.

An hour before I wrote that response, I’d responded to an anonymous request for advice about what to do when you’re head-hunted by one of your employer’s competitors. Again, there was lots of fabulous advice shared by others. Here’s an edited version of my response to the question about what to do when you’re being head-hunted.

I'd like to add that it's also important to listen to your intuition. Specifically, when it comes to organizational culture. Do you feel happy working where you are? If yes, then seriously consider if the organizational culture and co-workers at the new location would make you at least as happy.

Pick the organization whose values most closely align with yours. If you choose one employer over another for more money, but don't agree with their organizational culture, then you'll chance making yourself miserable. No amount of money makes it worth working for an organization whose values are contrary to your own. We spend too much time at work to stay where we are uncomfortable.

You are your own best career manager. The only person you should listen to about what job to take, is you. There is no need to feel guilty about considering a move. Your current employer has helped you get to where you are. If they are good leaders, and they can't match the opportunities, pay, or experiences that the new employer offers, your employers will be happy for your success. If they are bad leaders, and likely to be petty about you considering a move, then you should leave that employer as fast as practical.

After writing these pieces of what I consider micro-coaching, it occurred to me that the responses were also micro blogs. Snippets of my knowledge and experience, which may be useful to others.

One more piece of advice from Opeyemi’s video for today - change up your blog, to keep it interesting and relevant for your readers.

Since one of the services I offer is career coaching, this week’s blog is relevant to at least some of my audience! I’d like to change it up by asking you to answer at least one of the following questions:

1. What do you think about the advice I shared in these Facebook micro blogs?
2. Would you like me to share more of this sort of advice in my weekly blog?
3. What would you like me to blog about? 
4. I’d like to know what you think about micro blogging - does it work?