Comments on: Interruptions: An Experiment

By: Karen Talavera

Karen Talavera — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:46:25 +0000

Thanks DJ, I hope my comment didn't appear snarky (it wasn't intended to be) I just wondered if social media was something you were expected to squeeze into or alongside a full time position that wasn't focused that way, or if it basically was your major role (you clarified: the latter). I figured your role was pretty much as you described; the thing that makes balance challenging is content creation, which for me at least, takes undivided attention. And yes, “doing” social media can be tremendously time consuming (tell me about it!) even with all the great apps and tools out there. Kudos to you for implementing the steps you outlined.

I was just commenting on Chris Brogan's blog that media and communication channels are proliferating faster than our brains can keep up. Despite our diverse avenues for connecting, our brains can't think or parallel process as efficiently as computers. We must focus and chunk to achieve quality, clarity and depth. I think as you implement your new systems, you'll find surprising satisfaction in doing so and won't miss being plugged in nonstop.

By: DJ Waldow

DJ Waldow — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:52:15 +0000

Karen:

Great question. A few answers...

First, "doing social media" takes up a tremendous amount of time. While some days it seems as though I'm "playing" on Twitter, I'm really working. Is it fun? Sure. But it also brings in a ton on new business for Blue Sky Factory. Also, doing social media means that I'm commenting on various blogs, in forums, on LinkedIn Q&As, etc.

The other (non-SM) work I do is a combination of webinars and presentations. In the past few weeks, I've traveled to Denver and Dallas for OMS events where I spoke on email marketing and social media. Next week I'll be in Chicago doing the same. I have a few more upcoming webinars/presentations too. It seems as though I'm nearly always preparing for a talk (you can relate, right?).

On top of that, I'm helping with the Blue Sky Factory site redesign - writing a ton of copy. As you know, I also blog for BSF and for a host of other sites. I write monthly articles for MarketingProfs and MediaPost Email Insider.

Finally, some days I feel as though most of my time is spent sending, reading, and replying to emails.

Where do I find the time? Good question. That's why I'm trying to implement the steps above - chunking my time for more focus.

Does that make sense?

Thanks for making me think a bit more this morning!

-dj

By: Karen Talavera

Karen Talavera — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 03:20:44 +0000

I've often wondered, besides “doing” social media and blogging, do you have to get other work done? (Serious here ) And if so, how and when do you manage to?

By: Sue Anne Reed

Sue Anne Reed — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:44:26 +0000

Authentic may not be the right word, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a better word (my brain is on vacation mode). I have no doubt that while you're online, you'll be all DJ. I've noticed from other people that are only on during “office hours” that there seems to be something missing.

But, like I said, I'm interested to see if you notice any difference in how you interact with people online and how people — both existing and new — interact with you.

By: DJ Waldow

DJ Waldow — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:06:31 +0000

Sue Anne – Good luck with the new gig! You must be very excited. As far as being offline in the evenings / weekends changing how people perceive my authenticity … I never really thought about that. Does being offline make me less authentic?

-dj

By: DJ Waldow

DJ Waldow — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:05:28 +0000

Great points. I've never been great at measurement (shhhhhh). My issue is – and has always been – the fact that I love so many things. I have too many interests! For me, I want to be able to enjoy everything I do. Right now, I'm doing so many things half-assed that I'm not enjoying them.

So…

-dj

By: Sue Anne Reed

Sue Anne Reed — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:47:31 +0000

As I get ready to start my new job on Tuesday, I've been looking at how to be more productive. I like some of these ideas.

I'll be interested to see how you deal with being offline in the evenings / weekends and whether you find it changes how people perceive your authenticity.

By: Matthew Glidden

Matthew Glidden — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:46:37 +0000

More serious than messing with you, this time. I thought of the aphorism about people who empty their house of devils and clutter (distractions) but don't fill it with anything–so when the distractions return, there's room for even more of their deviltry.

Taking on the challenge myself would mean finding concrete stuff to measure the improvements. That could be more finished video projects, longer writing sessions, more time for volunteering, and so on. Wondered if you need those kind of details or if they come after you try step one (setting aside specific times).

By: DJ Waldow

DJ Waldow — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:10:08 +0000

Not sure if you are messing with me or not (or just kinda messing), but to me the obvious upside is:

1. Sanity
2. Increased productivity (for me AND my MacBook)

We'll see....

-dj

By: Matthew Glidden

Matthew Glidden — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:06:21 +0000

Good luck with the undertaking! Have you pictured what the upsides are for you? Better household harmony? Faster response time from Mozilla without all those tabs open at once?