How do you deal with the time vacuum issue when it comes to social media and staying with the conversation?

@flosmwizards good question. I use HootSuite and it helps. My biggest challenge is not going down a rabbit hole of articles and threads off my target for the day/week/month.

There is so much interesting information out there, it is easy to get sidetracked.

If you know you’re prone to lose track of time on social media, schedule it on your calendar and/or set a timer until you are more aware of your use of time.

@alexandrabriggs @debbielynnava I love the idea of a timer–I started using my Outlook calendar reminder to tell me it is time to move to the next task.

Also, it’s low-tech, but each day I write down on a note stuck to my desk what I plan to do that day. So, if I am tempted to overspend time in SM that is more playing than productive, I have only to look at what is left to do.

And a content planning calendar is essential–it should show not only when you need to post, but also what you need to create. Include basic website updates as well.

@alexandrabriggs Tools for automating your content are great for consistency and save time, too. They’re just not very “social” for engaging people in conversations. That’s why @rebecca‘s chunks of 15 mintes a couple of times a day are important–especially if you mix it up to meet people who are online at different times of the day.

If you schedule a couple of hours each month and pick one theme, you can create content (articles, blog posts, newsletter articles, fresh Web page content, and social media updates) in one sitting then schedule their posting. This leaves you free to converse and build relationships in minutes throughout the day instead of worrying how/if you will promote your business.

@stevencole It sounds like you truly are a “pro” at the social media time management! I have 6 Facebook pages for business, 5 business Twitters (that doesn’t include my own that I use for business), and 5 Google+ pages. It is imperative that I have an overall strategy plan and calendar but I do allow for the personal interaction. I also like to generate shares and likes of other related pages that our followers may find informative or helpful. I try to keep the content mixed and not set into a standard of posting.

@debbielynnava @alexandrabriggs @joanmuschampfagnani

Here’s a free online timer I use: http://www.online-stopwatch.com/custom-stopwatch/

I use the “Custom Countdown Timer” and from the dropdown menu, choose “Applause.”

That way, when you receive your alert that “time’s up,” it sounds like an audience applauding you for a job well done.

@laurachristianson Some days I can really use applause! I’m going to check it out. My outlook calendar works to a point…