The Unspoken benefits of a more active online life

There is currently a barrage of information that is politely and not so politely reminding us that there is a world of opportunity awaiting us if we learn to master the online space through social selling.

Most of the time we interpret this to mean that, as businesses, we should be more active on social media as a means of generating enquiries and ultimately revenue.

Whist this is undoubtedly true for those that do it effectively I would like to make the point that there are several other benefits from being involved in the online space.

1. Community

Once you decide to participate, it does not take long before you start to feel like you are part of a community with all of the benefits and support networks that can provide. The key here is recognising that participation is critical.

You can’t sit back and observe from a distance if you want to belong. You must get involved, build relationships and be there to help people. Special mention here must go to Jeff Brown and Angus Matheson - two photographers that have been very willing to let me get the benefit of their own experiences as I look to build my business.

2 Personal Development

It has famously been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with and the internet provides us with unprecedented access to influential and talented people.

It is true that we should be careful where we get our information from but if we find the right sources we can draw inspiration, motivation and new ideas from some of the most successful people on the planet and then follow it up with meaningful action.

If you are starting your own business, embarking on something new or just trying to make your way in the world as best you can, then they can be a very effective part of a wider support network.

I’ve found particular value in reading, listening, watching content shared by Chase Jarvis, Matthew Syed, Daniel Disney and Gary Veynerchuk

3. Education

This is closely related to personal development but I thought it warranted a few lines all to itself. Some of the most influential people in the social media space provide a massive amount of free educational content.

Name your subject and you will find somebody that is regularly publishing valuable and reliable material. As always, qualify your sources and scrutinize any information that you find, but don’t underestimate the quality of the content that is out there.

4. Unexpected Opportunities

I think this is the one that people whom are not active on social media fail to fully appreciate. As I write this there are queries, enquiries, proposals and orders flying around the digital space. It’s happening when you’re awake and when you are asleep and if you are not part of that world then you are missing out on opportunities that are unlikely to find you any other way.

For example, I’ve been invited to networking events that I’d never have known about. I’ve been asked to contribute to projects that I would never have dreamed of and I’ve made connections with new people that would not be possible by traditional means. I've even found myself an online mentor!5. The Opportunity to Help Other People

5. The Opportunity to Help Others

Again, this is one that is often overlooked but doesn't it feel great when we reach out and help other people with a problem? There might be something you are able to help directly with or maybe you are able to connect people in order to solve a problem. Either way, you will find plenty of opportunities to support other members of your community.

I can think of several other benefits but perhaps I’ll save those for another time. I’d be interested to hear from anybody who would like to add to this discussion. There is a lot of negative stuff written about the dangers online and much of it is justified but that does not mean we should not seek to emphasize the positive as well.