Sun, Sea, and Scrolling Smart: Craft Your Perfect Summer Social Strategy

Leverage ancient Greek wisdom for a stress-free online plan

It's been a minute since I last wrote, and though I may be groggy and jet-lagged, I’m so happy to be typing at my trusty laptop again. The past month has been a whirlwind of celebrations and adventures as I hit the big 5-0 (hello, new decade!) and whisked my family away on a Greek odyssey. Picture this: island-hopping from Antiparos to Paros, climbing the Acropolis in Athens, feasting on fresh fish, basking in endless sunsets, wandering cobblestone streets, AND watching my teenage boys get along perfectly! It was, in a word, magical.

The turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea are the ideal aesthetic material for drool-worthy Instagram posts, but there was one thing I wasn't doing while on vacation - posting. Without the constant dopamine hits from likes and comments, I was able to fully relax into my vacation, present to the sound of lapping waves and blissfully detached from my social media stats.

Visiting the island of Delos, with ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, I was struck by the immense history of the region and the enduring wisdom of classical Greek philosophers. The ancient Greeks were masters of balance and introspection. As Seneca wisely noted, "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it."

Wasting time and social media go hand in hand. You know that feeling of opening Instagram for work and getting sucked into an endless rabbit hole of memes, friends’ vacation photos and DM requests? Yeah, me too! We've all felt the pressure to show up and be "on" in the digital realm because - let’s face it - social media is incredibly important for our businesses. Yet, it can be a HUGE time sink. So, how do you set boundaries in a digital world with an insatiable appetite? While sipping ouzo by the Aegean, I discovered the secret: work smarter, not harder.

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Strategies for Mindful Social Media Management:

BATCH AND PLAN

Before I left for Greece, I set aside a good chunk of time to create and schedule content that would auto-publish throughout my holiday. Using a social media scheduling tool, I was able to maintain my online presence without being glued to my phone. I could immerse myself in the Greek experience, all while knowing my brand was still humming along back at home.

By the way, you don’t have to wait for a trip to try this approach. Batching content and using scheduling tools is a time saver and something I recommend all the time. But particularly as we enter summer’s full swing, traveling or not, give yourself the gift of social media-free days to give your brain a much needed break from the constant dopamine and distraction. Instead of frantically posting every day, set aside dedicated time for content creation, and allow yourself more intentional moments for engagement and community building.

Don't get me wrong, I’m a huge proponent of a strong social media presence. But you should be doing it on your terms. Success on social doesn't hinge on the number of hours logged. We all need time and space to cultivate our creativity.

CAPTURE EVERYDAY MOMENTS

During my Greek odyssey, I took countless photos and videos, each a memory of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. These images will make a beautiful photo book when I can get around to it, but what’s more, they’ll serve as valuable content for future posts and reels. On vacation, documenting your day doesn’t feel like work because you're simply capturing precious memories.

So, why not apply this same philosophy to our everyday work lives? Filming short snippets of your normal work day saves time by building up a stash of content, eliminating the need to create posts specifically for Instagram. The routine work that might seem mundane to you can be fascinating to others. Even the most ordinary moments can be brought to life with a voiceover or an inspirational quote. It's a win-win, blending efficiency with creativity. So, start capturing your day-to-day moments and watch how they transform into engaging content for your audience.

SET BOUNDARIES AND FIND BALANCE

The ancient Greeks knew that true wisdom comes from balancing work and reflection. Just as they sought harmony in their pursuits, we too can find balance by setting boundaries on social media, allowing time for creativity and rest. By embracing this balance, you can implement practical strategies to manage your social media effectively. Maybe you commit to an hour in the morning for engagement and an hour in the evening for content creation. Or perhaps you dedicate one day a week to batch-creating content for the following week or month. Find what works for you and stick to it.

Remember, social media should be a tool that serves you and your business, not the other way around. It should enhance your life and work, not consume it. Just as the Greeks have perfected the art of enjoying life while still getting things done, we too can master the balance of maintaining a strong online presence while still living our lives offline.

So, here's my challenge to you: Take a step back and evaluate your social media strategy. Are you working hard or working smart? Are you using tools to their full potential? Are you giving yourself permission to disconnect and recharge?

Let's make a pact to approach our digital lives with the same joy and intentionality that I approached my Greek adventure. Trust me, your business - and your well-being - will thank you for it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you manage your social media without letting it take over your life? Drop a comment below and let's chat!

Here's to working smarter, living fuller, and maybe sneaking in a Greek getaway of your own. Opa! 🇬🇷🌅💼

XO,

candace

PS: Speaking of getaways, if you're hitting a beach or pool this summer you'll want to check out my ShopMy page. I've curated a selection of styles that will have you feeling like a Greek goddess, whether you're island-hopping in the Aegean or lounging in your backyard.