How I have Used Social Media to Make Friends
If we have just met, I will start from the beginning: my family and I recently relocated to the Greater Toronto Area from our hometown in Ohio. While there is only a four hour drive between the two, my husband and I have left behind our daycare, babysitters, family and friends. Since I made the leap into full-time content creation (more about me here) we both sacrificed much to make the move. But no complaints, just a family adjustment!
I made the leap into social media with the hopes to document our travels and have fond family videos to re-watch in a creative and fun way. What I didn’t know was that social media would be key catalyst in how I networked and made friends in our new city.
#1 Peanut App : Peanut is an app dedicated to women looking to make friends throughout various stages of motherhood. I found it when I posted on my Instagram stories asking for ways to make new friends. I had a few flops using other similar mediums in the past. Peanut pairs you dating app style with other potential matches, where you complete your profile based on the children or stage of pregnancy, likes/dislikes, what you hope to gain from the app and more. Pictures and a biography were ultra-important in showcasing a little glimpse into my life so people could see a part of me. As it continued, every potential match or conversation led to me nosily searching their social media. An outdated or inactive profile was a no for me! A robust and updated social media page were key to mining for other women and friends that shared similar interests and hobbies. Social media paired with Peanut helped me make friends here for sure. Today, I have made multiple friendships and host playdates with our children thanks to Peanut.
Peanut App: Photo Credit, Peanut
#2: Using social to help launch my business: I don’t think that without an active profile and social media presence any businesses or creators would feel inclined to hire me. Using social media is an ever-evolving resume and working profile. I have since met other women in similar stages or careers, and we have connected this way as well. I also have had referrals and networking leads via social media messages and connections.
#3: Use stories daily: As stated before, Instagram stories feature is a key tool when running a social media strategy. This helps to continuously showcase your work and media. Additionally, I used social media stories to watch and interact with my friends in the States daily, as well as communicating with my new friends in Toronto. It has become beneficial to both my business and my friendships.
So while there are many negatives with heavy use of social media, it is not all bad. When used in moderation and with the proper safety guards in place, social media can be a wonderful way to stay connected and grow and prosper your network in more ways than one.