How to put the SOCIAL in social networking
It’s very unusual to see someone online to be so, well, social. Really, most people are tuned into the “WIFM” station – looking to hear from the What’s In It For Me disc jockey. And typically, most folks go about social media posting their tweets and updating their statues and wait for comments, likes, retweets and such.
Rarely do you find a person whose mission is to be the liker, retweeter and commenter. Everyone wants to be heard – no one wants to listen. Most people really don’t care what other people are posting.
Until Michelle McDonald. OMG! She is the friend everyone wants. She’s an online encourager. When no one “likes” your post – you can believe you find at least one “thumbs up” from Michele.
At first I thought it was just me (that “me, me” attitude again), and then I found out that she does that for everyone she “befriends.” She is that – a friend. She gets it. She knows what a friend is supposed to do: endorse, support and be there even when everyone else seems to not pay attention.
It’s funny, I have almost 5,000 “friends” on Facebook and I can say that I probably interact with less than five percent of them. I had to start a new page just so I could add “Fan” pages to my personal profile – because Facebook said I was at my limit. I had to either REMOVE some folks or pages in order to add new pages. (I love “liking” pages – and I didn’t have the heart to remove anyone – so I started a ‘page 2′).
Now here’s the deal. I still get requests daily. I am just about “full” on the personal profile page – but the only one that really seems to engage is Michele (outside of my BFFs and clients).
So why does anyone really want to be my Facebook friend?
Oh, so I can “like” and comment on how witty and wonderful they are. OK, I get it. It’s not about ME at all – it’s about the other person. I see. Hmmm.
Well, Michele McDonald (pictured above), bless her heart, is the only as far as I can see, that has no agenda, nothing to push, not trying to brown nose, not really caring if she gets “likes” back. She is just a supporter. A cheer leader. A pure heart.
And mind you, I don’t really “know” her. She has never been to my house or office, called me on the phone, or even emailed me. She just is a nice person. Now, if she needed anything or asked me for favor, of course, I’d help her out. And why wouldn’t I? That’s what friends are for.
And as far as I can see, her intentions are pure and she really is the Facebook Friend everyone should know – and would love. She’s gained my trust and I really like her spirit.
She goes out her way to support everyone she can – if they have values that coincide with hers.
Here are just some of the Facebook Pages that Michele McDonald LIKES:
Ladies Who Launch Atlanta, CRAVE Atlanta- celebrating stylish women entrepreneurs, Mike Michalowicz, Mom Invented, Flippin’ Factory, Inspiration Lounge, The Dash Community, Alexis Martin Neely – Mindset, Motivation, Marketing & Money, Hold Your Haunches, Megha SUCCESS, Strategies for Passionate Business Owners, Brené Brown, Execumama Enterprises Online, Mycomeup, Gary Vaynerchuk, Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk, Mutsy, Jim Rohn daily Quote, Jim Rohn, Kriya kitchen, Living the Balanced Life, The FlyLady, Locally Made, Psychology Today, Allison Babb, Small Business Coach to Solo Entrepreneurs, Girlfriendology Frugal Friends, Style YOUniversity, The Work Spot, Coach Jenn Lee, Sugar Coma Events, Oana Hogrefe Photography, Global Automotive & Energy Summit (Rainbow PUSH), Crystal E Collins, LuckyDuckyBaby, SimiWeave, Georgia Staycations, Girlfriendology, Bob The Teacher Internet Marketing Training For Business Professionals, Marketing Words Copywriting Agency, Bren Herrera, Be Blogalicious, SUCCESS for Women, Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc., Sweet Escape Yoga, Booty Wrap, Invisibelt, All Baby & Child/ABC Kids Expo, Instant Zipper, SpokesMoms.com, The Marriage Coaches, Tickle Bellies, Ficklets, Justice Fergie, Bessie Akuba | The Fabulous Do-Gooder, The Love Kitchen, Women Intelligently Networking (WIN!), Dare 2 Aspire 2012, Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show, AmilyaAntonetti, Women Who WOW – B. Michelle Pippin, The Divine Miss Mommy, 10 Second Impact Inc., The Mommy Shops, Chic Style Modern, See Baby Grow, LLC, Multi-TaskingWoman, Cookies For Babies, Jill Brewer Design, Today’s Living-Family, food, fun and fellowship, Self Help for Anxiety & Panic Attacks, Worth It! The Money Conference for Women, Stuff Parents Need, Black Love Forum, West Elm, Tierra Destiny Reid, INO Mommy, Crave Cotton Candy Factory, Utoria, TODAY Food, Butler Bag by Jen Groover, Startup Princess, Team Ethan Jostad, Faith’s Friends, Teaching Tiny Tots, Cute Beltz, Final Frontier Inc, Parent Hacks, The FunSpunge, Totseat – the washable, squashable highchair, Uncommon Scent Creations, LLC, Mom Crunch, TotBargains.com, Daily Grommet, Social Media PR Solutions, LLC, Nail Taxi, BooginHead Products: Sippigrip and PaciGrip!, Just Between Friends Franchise System, Inc., TheCubicleChick, Mom 4 Life, OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc., Phone Huggie – solution for women on the go, Michele McDonald, IdeaMensch, Dash of East, Backngroovemom, Cindy W Morrison, Huggies, SUCCESS Magazine, TheGrindstone, BellyButtonBoutique – Maternity and Postpartum Store, Bizzie Media Group, Social Buzz Club, Thecoupondiva.com, Baby Bump Maternity, Babble.com, The Nanny Consultant, Cuddlebuggs, LLC, Get Retail Ready!, Lindsay Blogs, Ideas Uploaded, The Essential Business Handbook, weelicious, Living Your Moment, Launch Therapy, Kids II, WhatToExpect.com, The Container Store, The Breast Chek Kit, Kevin Harrington, The Next Big Zing, Stress Free Kids: children’s books, CDs, and curriculums., Market Mommy, Barbara Corcoran, 5 Minutes for Mom, “Inventors Make it Happen”, Jem of the south, Maternal Instinct, Busy Mommy Likes, Invention Addict Inventor Help with Stephen Bozzone, Mommy Nuggets, Dotdot interactive, Davey Cakes, Savor the Success, Sassie Babies, Melissa Crane Photography, Kickstarter, Mr. Goodwill Hunting, Mocha Moms, Inc., Effortless Style Interiors, Erika Ward, Stylish Consignments, Aprille Franks-Hunt | Women ReCHARGED, Luminocity, Alison Newton Consulting Services, SPANX by Sara Blakely, Le bibble, Pocket Dots, Pretty in Peace, Coffee with Tierra & How she got started, Baby Walton, The Bag Holder-Dont be left holding the bag, Take it to the Market, iknowamom, Veep Veep, Victoria Pericon, Charming KEYper, The Couple Relationship, Georgia’s BEST Baked Beans, LynnAli Jewelry & Accessories, BowensBergeron- “Carved Couture”, ATL BusiMoms We’re a networking group of local Mompreneurs in Atlanta, She Invented, Collective Experts, Snap Caps by m3 girl designs, Cool Mom Picks, The Mogul Mom, Tory Johnson, Octavo Designs, The Nanny Godmother, Solo Mompreneur, Bean Work Play Cafe, But Are You Making Any Money?, Atlanta Moms, Rene Syler, aka GOOD ENOUGH MOTHER, GalTime Atlanta, Yummy Spoonfuls, Joyful Transformations, Inc., GalTime, Dani Johnson, Dr Alduan Tartt, Diverse Business, ‘preneur, I am my own Boss!!!!, Positive Parenting Solutions, The Chic Entrepreneur, Little PINK Book, Wxia Tv-11 Alive, FemCity Atlanta, NiaMassage, LLC, Womentorz, Ladies Who Launch, NiteSweatz, Pure Belly, LLC, Pix N’ Tray, One Simple Idea, TheDieline.com, entrepreneurship.org, AULYP, Work Smart Mompreneurs, Bottles to Britches Premier Baby Planners, Atlanta Baby Bump, Mommy Talk Show, Baby Nari, Meetup, Stinky Cakes, The Highchair Organizer, Buzzy, Ava the Elephant, Pursue Your Passion Tour, StinkyKids, Eco-Exquisite LLC, Pacimals- the huggable pacifier, Be You, Only Better!, Room Service Atlanta, Business Owners Idea Cafe, Esther Lee Photography, LLC, Willie Crawford Marketing Tips, Insider Friends Of Willie Crawford, The Introvert Entrepreneur, CleverWraps, Inventors Digest, Nicole Dean, Nicole Dean – Busy Marketer’s Coach, Moms in Business Unite – 2011 Atlanta, Moms in Business Unite Conference, Keeping It Real, Detachable Heel System, SingleBubblePop Design Studio, Darlene McCoy, MS. CEO NETWORK, Empower Lounge, Candace Reese (Executive Influencer, Inspirational Speaker), Lifehacker, skirt! Atlanta, The Atlanta Go To Girl, Smart Seat Chair Covers, OneDegreeFrom.Me, Synergy Energy Show with Pam Perry, Kara Allan & Associates, LLC, ZARA, Z Becky Brown, The Founding Moms, marketmommies, The Owie Pillow, Show Me The Blog, Inventor Spot, The Brand New Mommy, Pam Perry, Black Enterprise, The Broke Socialite Does…, Mocha Moon, Entreprenette, Kaira Akita www.prettyfunnygirl.com, Serious Startups, StartupNation – Leading Small Business Content and Community, Ali Brown, Female Success Factor, Made by Joel – Modern Art, Kids Crafts, and Toys, Jack Nadel’s Ideas That Mean Business, Gunamuna, Bit Rebels, Bizzie Mommy, Stodgy Is Sexy, Inventor Notes, Lynn Rose – and the POWER of WOW, Lynn Terry, Smart Money Chicks™, Golden Parachutes Career Coaching Services, A Bloggy Mom, Escaping Mediocrity, Collective-E, Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn, Passive Panda, Grind & Thrive, Monkey-Toes
What pages do you like on Facebook? Who do you often interact with – or are you just a “drive by” blogger/tweeter/poster? Michele, we can all learn something from you.
Thank you for unselfishly sharing your “digital love” for us social media folks who forget to be social sometimes.
I appreciate you.
Now, I would appreciate YOUR input. Do you feel like you are just talking to the wind on Facebook and Twitter? Hear an echo, “anyone home?” How could you be more SOCIAL in social media? I’m listening!
Pam Perry, find her “digital trail” across the internet at http://about.me/pamperry. (Note, it’s really not “about me” – that’s just the name of that website.) Oh, would love a “vote” from you – I’m trying to get on a billboard in Times Square. This is on my “bucket list.” LOL
Pam
YOUR Public Relations Coach and Social Media Strategist. CEO of Ministry Marketing Solutions and Founder of Social Media PR Solutions, LLC.
Follow Me:
Michelle is awesome! I will admit at first I thought she was stalking me liking all of my posts. LOL! I met her at a conference this Summer and she is truly a sweetheart and a genuine supporter. What you “see’ on FB and Twitter is what you get. And you are so right, she does “get” what being social in social media means. Everyone likes to be “liked”.
LOL. I thought the same thing. “A stalker.” But then I realized she is just a nice person. The real deal. A mommy, a social media enthusiast and loves her ATL and people in general. Thanks Tamara, for YOUR quick response. Let’s pick a day in September and call it, “Michele McDonald” day.
I was introduced to Michelle via Facebook and she truly is an authentic and genuine chick who roots for everybody. It’s amazing to find that these days. Thanks Pam for spotlighting her—Michelle deserves it!
This is so well deserved! Michele is just awesome. At times, I feel like yelling “Is this thing on?!?” But once I see Michele’s “like” or comment, I feel comforted. Its such a small gesture but it means so much!
Yes. I know the feeling guys. It’s amazing. My BFF continually support each other – but I’ve known her for years. And here comes Michele, who I just met online – and she spread her “like” love to everyone. A real gem! YOU guys, thanks for YOUR comments. APPRECIATE YOU TOO. (P.S. A poke is really good for me – ’cause sometimes facebook doesn’t put people in my newsfeed that I really like – like you guys) LOL.
Great idea! And since I live in the ATL area, I will have to make her a sweet treat to celebrate her day. She can pick. ( I just hope she doesn’t pick the red velvet cake ice cream she wanted me to make). LOL!
Michele is awesome and is a true social star that shines bright and when she does not like something I have to say I get worried:) I have challenged others to be like her and this is a great way to recognize her. She is the real deal. Now I must say I am a bit sad to hear that it was not my great wit, charm and enjoyment that had her liking my pages. She does this for everyone? Crud! Ok Michele what do I have to do to keep you to myself. XO great article and I love Michele bandwagon is on the road.
Kara
It’s a gift to make EVERYONE feel special. (Kinda like a mother who makes all her kids feel like their “favorite”)
Thanks Kara. xoxox
Pam, you’re so right about Michele. She’s a huge supporter online & offline. Not only does she LIKE your FB posts, but she RTs you on Twitter.
Her motives aren’t personal or to kiss anyone’s butt.
Michele just wants good information SPREAD online!
Wait until you hear about the great things she is working on. They’re designed to change the lives of women!
Big hugs to Michele!
Wow! I haven’t met you Michele but it sounds like your reputation definitely precedes you! Awesome – and like others, I too was first under the impression that I was about to become a facebook stalker! lol
Thanks for setting a true example for others to follow (including myself)
Hey folks, I concur with everyones comments…Michele is a sweetheart. I still can’t figure out how she does it and juggles a full time job and 2 young kids! Michele…if your reading this…know that you are truly loved;-) You have taught me something that I never thought to do as much of before…which is Like a comment even if you have nothing to say but it let’s other know that you hear them. I would always read comments but not always respond especially if others shared my common view…but thanks to you…I have officially become more of a liker in the last 6 months or so. I think you are a trend starter;-)Thanks for being our virtual supporter and reminding us all to be more giving! Its coming back to you 10 fold!
I LOVE Michele too!! She really is a gem.
WOW. Michele has hit a cord with everyone. I like what someone said, “She just wants to share good stuff online.” That’s the mission. That’s the goal. It’s empowering – and it’s good you all concur.
Appreciate you.
As a person that was listed in the pages that she follows, she is by far and away the best cheerleader in your corner. She’s Encouragement in a Bottle, and a Friend when you need it. I am blessed to know her through Ladies Who Launch, and owe her always.
Thanks Michelle!
Sonia Hazard
NiaMassage, LLC
Yes, she is a lady who helps to “launch” others, Sonia. Indeed. Thanks for comment.
Aww this is so sweet and very befitting for Michelle! She is an awesome cheerleader. Love her spirit and authenticity. She is definitely cool.
Yes, she is. I wonder what the world would be like if everyone was like Michele? Happier place for sure!
I’m still very new to the women blogging communities, but I hope I’m being social. I’m commenting on articles that are interesting or relevant to my life, and I’m retweeting the tweets that inspire me or make me laugh. I have a long way to go, though, and there’s a lot more I could do, so I’m going to keep Michelle’s supportive attitude in mind.
(Does she have a FB Page or a blog I could check out?)
Thanks for the article!
Thanks for comment Virgina. Quick tip…..when the link is in blue (or highlighted) it goes directly to what it say. For instance, when you see the word “Michele McDonald” in the article, click it – and BAM – takes you to the Michele McDonald.
All the “pink” links above go to what something. Click and be curious and have fun!
God bless. Have fun in social media. make google your best friend.
Well, I saw that the link in the article leads directly to her FB profile, but I couldn’t find any links for a FB Page or blog of hers. I’d feel a little odd asking to be a FB friend out of the blue, so I was hoping for a Page or blog.
Great article on Michelle! She is a cool fb friend and brand supporter to have! It is always good to have that one person you know will get the social media “ball rolling”, which she’s done tons of times on my personal page and the Stinky Cakes page! It’s very comforting to know that she supports some many people and brands!!! Way to go MM and I will be re-posting this!!
WOW! Such a sweet piece on a kind-hearted woman. I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle at Spark and Hustle this past summer. Every since I met her, she’s liked everything I’ve ever posted. When the crickets are chirping on your page, Michelle’s presence reminds you to keep pressing on!
Pam, great article as always. Yes, I agree Michele is a dream and a great social media coach and cheerleader. I always look forward to seeing her on my page — that “like” means everything in cyberspace. Thanks Michele McDonald.
Michelle for president! She is loved for her sharing spirit. Thanks guys.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle this past weekend and she is a breath of fresh air. Many times I meet people in person from social media outlets and they are totally different than the personality portrayed online. She said to me I wanted to meet you and a few other ladies here so I came out. Now that’s what I am talking about.
Authenticity counts!
Michelle McDonald? OMG, there’s not enough room here, LOL! She is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to the day I get to meet her in person. It’s amazing how I just know Michelle is going “Like” whatever I post, LOL! I don’t know how she does it! Yes, there should be a Michelle McDonald Day and without a smidgen of doubt, she gets my vote, i.e., “like” for President