6 Social Media Lessons From a Snowy Day

I woke up yesterday morning to three inches of snow on the ground. Apparently schools had a 2-hour delay, but since I work from home, it isn’t much of an issue for me.

And now I hear a big storm might be headed our way tomorrow. Thank you, Punxsutawney Phil. But here are a few things that came to mind as I was shoveling the walk and just observing the snow:

1. Snow days give you a chance to slow down – Snow just seems to slow things down. Everything. From traffic to life in general. Social media can be pretty fast paced, especially if you are always connected. But sometimes you need to slow down and just “do life”.

2. Snow days are often unexpected, and rarely predictable – Yes, meteorology is a science, but…I’ve seen plenty of predicted blizzards fizzle into nothing, while also getting walloped by snowstorms the weather man never even saw coming. Same is true on Social Media. Just when everything seems to be going well…wham…a negative comment or bad publicity can sneak up on you.

3. Snow days are disruptive – The kids may be delayed or have the day off. You might have to find child care. You might be late to work. You might drive off the road and hit a stop sign. You may have to shovel…more than once. Social Media is real life. It isn’t predictable and we need to be able to adapt and react as it happens.

4. Snow days promote community – My neighbor and I rarely see each other, let alone talk to each other. But sometimes she shovels my walk, and vice versa. And if we’re both out shoveling, it gives us something to talk about. We engage in conversation. Neighbors who might normally have nothing in common are suddenly talking and helping each other. Additionally, with school and work delays and cancellations, we suddenly find ourselves with unplanned “family time.” It’s a beautiful thing.

5. Snow days are beautiful – Sit back and watch the snow fall. Look at it on the trees, or lawn. There’s nothing more peaceful and beautiful as a new fallen snow. There’s also a certain beauty that comes with community. Just sit back and watch relationships form and develop and grow…

6. Snow days promote creativity – Snow men. Snow angels. Sledding. Snow ball fights. These are things that can only happen when it snows. Social media also promotes creativity in a variety of ways that might not be able to happen offline. Take advantage of that opportunity for creativity.

Tagged as: Community, Social Media