What if Instagram was fun?

I've completely changed my mind about social media.

When I was in the corporate world, I spent most of my days online or on email. The last thing I wanted to do at the end of the day was get on Facebook. Sure, I was on LinkedIn, but that's what I had to do to keep in touch with clients and former colleagues.

When I became a coach, I felt I needed to be on Facebook. It was great to reconnect with old friends from grade school and college. But aside from that, it felt like a colossal waste of time. 

Fast forward a couple of years. Several of my coaching clients were doing some really cool things on Instagram. The creatives were making gorgeous things while sharing what inspired them and the challenges of running their own businesses. The coaches were giving free tips, resources, and practices, all while keeping it real. And everyone was cheering each other on in a beautiful way. Now this seemed worth my time.

So I began to experiment. Awkwardly and self-consciously at first. My posts were cringy. Posting was time-consuming and painful. My inner critic had lots to say about how I had nothing new to share and really needed Botox! But I kept at it. Mostly because I wanted to be part of a community of people supporting each other. It energized me.

And I was blown away when clients or friends would reshare something I was up to. Instagram was actually making it easy for people to refer people to me. I never expected this. And if you're reading this and you've supported me on Instagram - thank you!

And it's given me a platform (albeit small) to find and use my voice. Whether it's something coaching-related, or having to do with women's rights, reproductive freedom, or social justice, I have a place where I can stand in my values and be more of myself. I also get to see some amazing creative work (I'm looking at you clients), hear serious truth-telling, and experience animals doing the most adorable things. 

So now, when I start working with a new client, and they ask - do I have to be on social media, I say no - you do you (and I mean it - it's not for everyone). But where else can you be yourself, show people the work you do, cheer people on, and make it easy for someone to refer someone to you?