Did you know Facebook (and social media, in general) can have some negative effects in people’s lives? It’s no secret we live in a extremely connected digital world. It’s almost like our world is black-and-white. (You’re reading this in black and white, right now!) That has led to some amazing, positive results in people’s lives… along with some horrible consequences.

You may not realize it, but even though social media is supposed to be “social”… people often come away feeling extremely lonely, isolated, depressed and rejected.

That just breaks my heart, because it’s not supposed to be like that! It doesn’t matter if you are into social media or not. Everything I’m about to share with you really applies to all relationships, whether online or face-to-face.

So let’s start by talking about how you honor people. You see, it seems some people have the ability to keep their cool and avoid dishonoring people when they’re face-to-face. Yet, they have no problem completely bashing other people online.

Whether it’s a negative comment on a website or bashing somebody on Facebook, or even through text messages, people have a tendency to say things in black and white – things they would never say otherwise.

Think about that for a minute – are you less mindful of your words and people skills in print, than you are face-to-face? Is it easier to bash people when you don’t have to look them in the eye?

Or, what about correcting people’s spelling and grammar? (Especially on social media platforms.) That one amazes me! For example, whenever I post something on Facebook we often attract a lot of  excited people, who ask tons of questions. And then, of course, “those” people make comments like, “Watch your grammar!” and correct my post, or the people who comment, for their spelling.

There’s a pretty good chance you would never do that in person, right? You wouldn’t stop a conversation to say, “Uh, you’re not using the proper sentence structure, and way too much slang.”

So at this point you probably wonder, “How does this affect my money?!”

Bottom line: Money comes from people. Opportunity comes from people. Your income is directly related to your people skills! If your current people skills include bashing people with your fingertips, via Facebook, email, text message or any other digital format, you have to understand this does not motivate people to like you, trust you, want to be around you or to work with you!

So think about THAT today. If you know you tend to be a little more free with your words online, I want you to start thinking before you type. We have all been guilty of this, myself included. But it is so important to actually stop, carefully evaluate and ask yourself, “Is what I’m about to say going to create better influence and draw people to me, or is it going to chase people away from me?”

You do NOT want to be known as someone who constantly corrects, criticizes, condemns or complains. You want to be known as someone who believes in people and builds relationships with people. Once you have a relationship with someone – and IF they have asked you to speak into their life or correct them when you see them heading in a direction that does not lead to their goal – THEN, speak into that! (And there is an art to that, as well. But that’s a different topic for a different time…)

Focus on building relationships, gaining trust and becoming an advocate for others. Don’t be like everyone else out there in our digital world! Use your influence wisely.

Facebook and other social media can be very influential. Just remember, money and opportunity come from people… and Facebook is an awesome place to find people and build relationships! How are you using your influence online? Leave me your comments below, and let me know!

And don’t forget to join us today for The Dani Johnson Show, to gain more insights for your everyday life. You can find the show on your TV and radio or stream today’s show, right here on our website.

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In great faith,

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