Are You Practicing the Seven Habits?

Last year I wrote about the behaviors and habits that I see some of most effective and influential Google+ users exhibiting. Do you remember them? (http://owl.li/tT7jU)

1. Post Thoughtful Content
2. Share Other People's Content
3. Engage Other People
4. Mention Other People
5. Promote Other People
6. Consistent Activity
7. Profile Completeness

Now that it's been a while, how are you doing with these techniques? Have they become habits or are you still working on incorporating some of them into your daily routine?

Let's take a moment to review their importance while, again, drawing on the wisdom of Dr. Covey:

“Start with the end in mind."

What are your goals and objectives for Google+? I've mentioned before that if you're just here for fun, don't pay any attention to the advice that I'm giving! These aren't rules for personal use. But if you're here at least partially to develop a business or personal brand, or to grow personally or professionally, those desires should play a role in determining how you use the platform.

“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.”

And nowhere is this more true than on Google+, right? How many of you starting using the network expecting the same kind of experience you'd had on Facebook? Rather, this platform has developed a very different culture and micro-society that thrives on discussion and engagement and interaction. Effective Google Plussers have recognized the shift, not only in usage but in perception, and have embraced it.

“Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).”

So when we've determined our goals and come to a better understanding of both the nature and the benefits of the platform, we can begin to want to participate in a very passionate and informed way. And when we merge in Dr. Covey's 7th habit, "Sharpen the Saw” we can constantly be developing the skills and knowledge to make these kinds of behaviors habits.

Here, that means taking the time to read great posts, follow great people, and learn from them. Fortunately, that part is pretty easy. But it's a necessary first step! If you circle brilliant minds in your field of interest, your Google+ stream will be filled with wonderful commentary and ideas and information - the kind of material that begs to be shared. And as your interest and passion grows, you will be driven to jump into these discussions and mention these individuals you're forming relationships with and talk about them yourself.

These activities will become habits, and if done strategically, will ensure that your time spent on the platform is as effective and beneficial as possible.

To learn more about these habits, please review the original post: http://owl.li/tT7jU

And if you know others who are struggling with what to do on Google+ and how to really use it to benefit themselves or their business, won't you share this post with them?

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. Thanks for reading.

#GooglePlus  #GooglePlusTips #SocialMedia #Business 

+Stephanie Frasco of Convert with Content, at her +Social Media Today column Socially Stephanie, explains exactly why you should not use a Facebook Personal Profile for your business.

We at Southern Cross give that exact same advice to our clients and prospects. Some of them listen :-)

We hope others will also listen to Stephanie. She does have a great idea for how you can use a personal profile in a different way, that leverages your Business Page ("Fan Page") without diluting its branding, and that stays inside the rules of Facebook.

Remember, Facebook forbids you using a Personal Profile for a business. That's not the only reason not to do it, but is one among many. If you're confused about what kind of Facebook presence you should have, work with a pro.

Thai coconut milk soup with sweet potatoes - simple and luxurious. Also, dealing with the mental health of a loved one. PLEASE SHARE!!

http://www.theculinarylife.com/2014/thai-coconut-milk-soup-with-sweet-potatoes/

#soup #saturdaysoup #winter #souprecipes #recipeoftheday #theculinarylife #foodphotography #thaicooking #thailand #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

Stump that looks like Cthulhus skull off the path at the cypress trail at Hammock State Park in Sebring Florida
https://twitter.com/Steampunk_T/status/436826428827385858
Check out our community :
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/109129921515735293128/communities/108140587796767189247

On book #marketing   stuff, I am currently doing a free promo for Pentecost - it's currently  
Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank: #8 Free in Kindle Store
    #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Suspense
http://viewbook.at/Pentecost

This is off the back of a paid advert on Kindle Books & Tips and another one 2 days later at BookBub. I think a double-barrelled approach to advertising is probably a good idea in terms of visibility. It's had about 20,000 downloads in the last 3 days.

Remember happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. #RoyGoodman