How to Know if You're Being Authentic or Oversharing
There are so many fears that hold us back from using social media. So often, I see people let the fear of oversharing hold them back from actually posting or putting themselves out there in an authentic and relatable way. To be honest, there is a pretty fine line between these two.
If you find yourself worrying about oversharing, here is a way to check-in with yourself.
It’s All About Intentions
If you’re sharing something for sympathy, to get attention or to call out someone else - then you’re likely not doing it for the right reasons and are “oversharing.”
Nobody wants to be THAT person. But we also don’t want to let this concern hold us back from making real, human connections. Because often, when we are being super transparent and authentic…it can feel downright scary!
But, if you’re sharing to help someone else or provide value for someone else, then you’re doing it for the right reasons. It all goes back to why you’re posting and what you want to get from it.
Are you sharing to hurt someone else? Or are you sharing to help someone out? This is a super simple way to check in with yourself and feel good about pushing the post button.
Remember that you can never go wrong when you are trying to help someone out. And sharing about the very real parts of life are how we make deep connections.
Here’s a Personal Testimony
I experienced a miscarriage in 2018. I didn't tell anyone outside of my inner circle and didn't share on social media right away. I wasn't ready.
But then a few months later I felt like I was supposed to share our story. I did NOT want to. As I was typing the post and sharing our baby with the world, I literally felt sick. My hands were shaking and tears were running down my cheeks as I hit the publish button. But I knew in my heart I was supposed to share and that God was going to use it for good.
The response to our story was unreal. And not just immediately. I still to this day have women that read my post, have recently experienced a loss of their own and reach out to me because they know I have been in their shoes. I had a woman who was in her 60's (and that I hardly know) tell me that she experienced a miscarriage in her 20's and had never talked about it but how my post helped her heal.
How to Share for The Right Reasons
As a busy business owner, it can be easy to post only when you have the spare time. While some behind the scenes content can be beneficial, think about what your target audience really wants to see from you.
If you’re ever concerned that you’re oversharing, think about your target customer. Will you sharing this piece of information help them get to know, like, and trust you? Or will it make them question your expertise and character?
Remember that you do not ever have to share any part of your life that you don’t want to. Putting ourselves out there can be scary. But when we do it for the right reason, it can be a really great way to create connections, deepen relationships and develop trust.
I encourage you to be authentically you and use social media for good to support one another.