Using social media as a business owner is one thing, but using it as a mompreneur is another thing completely. Some things we need to consider that non-parent biz owners don’t:

• Setting a screen time example for our kids

• Being off our screens while we are with our kids

• Privacy - how much of our kids do we share?

• Finding the time for posting, scheduling and creation

Using social media is imperative for any business owner these days, though. There is no getting around it – I mean, that’s why you’re here, isn’t it?

Finding the line between personal and professional on social media can be tricky business. And depending on what season of entrepreneurship you’re in, it can be different from the last.

Many businesses draw that line really clearly – no personal on their biz pages, and visa versa. But as mompreneurs, our title literally combines the two. We are moms, and we are entrepreneurs. And we literally live in that gray area.

Once you know your season, it can be a little bit easier to navigate this boundary. During some seasons, you’ll be more inclined to share only professional, and others, only personal. But some notes as to how to share this with your audience:

always be authentic

There is nothing worse than pretending you have it all together when in reality, you don’t. Seriously. It’s exhausting. Communicating with your audience, whether it be friends on Facebook or followers on Pinterest, what’s truly going on in your life, rather than just want you want them to see, is imperative. Inauthenticity is obvious, and can be a huge turn off.

communicate your season

Your social audience wants to know your season! They want to follow you on your journey, literally. And communicating with them about the season you’re in can help them along your path. If you are in a rest season (sharing more personal than professional), but they found you because they like your professional, it will be a glimpse into your personal life they would not have seen otherwise. If they aren’t interested in your personal life, and only want to see professional, then you can connect with them again when you bounce back into a professional season of mompreneurship! Most likely, they aren’t going anywhere. The same works the other way around.

know your limits, and don’t be afraid

If you need a social media hiatus, take one. I wrote a blog about a hiatus I took not long ago (read it here) and how it was the biggest sigh of relief I could have taken during that time. When I came back, my true, Nicole&Co loyal followers were eagerly waiting, rather than leaving me. It’s these kind of followers that you want to cater to. Don’t be afraid to not post, to not share, or to delete it altogether. There are no rules, just suggestions, and you are the only suggestion your really need to listen to.

Rest season can also be a great time to find inspiration. Rest season allows for more brain space, emotional transparency and time to process. During this time, use your social media outlets as a place of gathering information, inspiration, and joy.

As for sharing, it will be easier to find the time to craft thoughtful posts, captions and stories, since you’re season allows it. Take this opportunity to share about your personal life. Share things like family vacations, blog about books you’re loving and take the time to capture and edit photos you love.

However, drawing the personal/professional line during this time can be tricky. Rest season comes with much more personal than professional. Share with your audience that you’ll be sharing lots of your kids, hobbies or lifestyle. If they would rather see your professional life, they’ll be waiting upon your season transition into Growth, when that shift will be made again.

ideas for posting during rest season:

• Post a blog once or twice a week with things you’re loving - recipes, books, tv shows, things to do

• Share photos of your kids, playrooms, traveling, and food you’re eating.

• Get those IG stories going, girl. Make that tap list long, and have fun. Don’t curate, just share.

• Personal Facebook loves rest season. Reconnect with friends, share funny memes, and watch cat videos until your heart is content.

• Try a new platform! I love Twitter during rest season, mostly because the scroll is long and the weight is light.

HOMEWORK

Plan your social media

This blog post by Hootsuite is the best of the best – plan a few weeks or months of social media posts using the content calendar; audit your current profiles and optimize them; create a strategy for the weeks to come with specific goals. Also – all the image dimensions are right there at your fingertips for quick reference! Bonus.