Increase your followers by saying thank you

Gratitude
I am happy to report that saying thank you or showing your gratitude has not gone out of style.  Check out the hashtag #gratitude on Twitter and you'll see how.

Engagement
If you want to ensure you are "engaged" on social media (aka earn clicks, shares, likes, retweets) just try it.  It takes discipline and commitment.

Excellence
Those committed to excellence without ego are the ones that recognize and appreciate those who take the time to thank those who support their journey.  Whether that journey is on a social media platform, or building a brand or business, you can show your appreciation consistently, then watch what happens.

Authentic
If you want to come across as being authentic and real, there is no better way than saying it in whatever language is your native tongue or a nod to those giving you their support.  Merci, gracias, danka.

Be a role model
My nephew texted me a few weeks back stating that he wanted to "pick my brain" on how to elevate his social media efforts.  That is one of the highest compliments I could have ever received.  There is no more important challenge than to lead by example.


Be positive
When you share uplifting quotes, or stories, you will attract those of which you want to be surrounded by.  

Intuitiveness
Facebook, Google and others are in the game of knowing what you like.  Why not it be for your optimism and desire to help others?  The more you test this theory, the more you will find the right vibe in front of you to snap up and share.

Community
Become a member of the club of spirit of enthusiasts who get that social media can be used to lift others' spirits while at the same time discovering yourself inspired as well.

Be unique
You don't have to be part of the mainstream to be special.  Nor do you need to be beautiful to be accepted or recognized.  Create who you want to be by sharing images, quotes, information that may be unique yet valued by others.

Create your tribe
You may discover a really spectacular phenomena that you attract talented, knowledgeable, inspiring folks from all walks of life.

Avoid the nasties
It is hard to learn this important lesson:  stay clear of the nasty side of life that you can't associate with:  porn, degradation, violence, bullying or whatever cause you feel strongly about.

Philosophy
You may find yourself surprised by how well you are getting to know yourself.   Draw near to those and that which helps you become a better person, offers peace, eradicates poverty, inspires others.  Stay clear of  what disgusts you, what repels you, what insults you, whatever fires you up.  

The Mom Test
Put those you are considering following through what I often call "the mom test".  Is what they share, show or say something your Mom would shake her head at, want to give you a shake, or shake the scuttle out of?

Truth
Be committed to what you believe is true, right, kind, helpful to others.  Don't live in a secret world of deceit, evil, derogatory, or if discovered, be a shameful side of your person.  

Unique
Be the person you want to be.  Not someone you wish to be.  You don't need to copy someone else, envelope their persona, you are your own person.

Don't give up
Yes, you may stumble and even fall.  Jump up, dust yourself off, and extract life's lessons from it.  Have an attitude of perseverance.  

Believe
In yourself.  Ignore the detractors, the rude people who want to get under your skin.  There are those who would like to see you fail, may even be jealous of what you have accomplished, want you to take a tumble.   You don't need them.  They will move on to find someone else who they can get a negative reaction from.

Celebrate
Other people's accomplishments.  Be a champion of achievement, courage, inspiration, and you will find yourself supported in return.

Be humble
Sure, it may look like those that only Tweet, post, share their own stuff or about themselves gather the most attention.  You weren't put on this planet to pump your ego.  You are here to be the best person possible.  

Ego
Is flickering, fleeting and rarely lasts.  Don't be happy with 15 minutes of fame when you can be known for appreciating beauty, selflessness, helpfulness, generosity.   Be genuine and you don't need an ego to fuel you to keep on going.

Be creative
Dance even if you look really goofy or uncoordinated.  Sing even if you are tone deaf.  Draw even if you can only draw stick people.  Paint with your heart.  Express with your soul.  If you can't, only you can decide.  You can share music that makes you happy, lessens your despair, you can relate to.  By doing so, you may attract others who share those very things.

Laugh often
Smile more.  Laugh at yourself first because it shows that you don't take yourself too seriously.  Share what is funny but not what makes fun of others.  Practice the golden rule:  treat others as you wish to be treated.

Act your age
Or the age you feel at the present moment.  You are only old if you feel old.  Ignore anyone that says you are too young to do anything or too old to accomplish something.  Be your own gauge.  Your response is your thermometer and how others' may respond to you.

Value
Honesty, integrity over greed, selfishness.  Stick to those values even when it seems like they're not being appreciated.


I hope this explains how to make the most of your social media journey.  Embrace it and hold dear what you treasure.  Avoid falling for toxicity and stay away from anything that makes you feel like a victim.