FredMcKinnon.Com

I hear it several times a week from friends, co-workers, and others …

“You must be on Facebook all day – how do you get any work done”?

So this blog post has been “brewing” in my toolbox for a couple of months now.
(my toolbox, and what’s in it – coming soon)

Here’s the deal.  If I were on Facebook all day, I would NEVER get my work done. If I didn’t get my work done, you’d notice.

So here’s how I seemingly stay connected throughout the day (and even throughout the night, or midair during flight!) to Facebook.  (go to my Facebook Profile)

1.  Twitter
Plain and simple.  I have “Tweetdeck” on my Mac, and incredible application that allows me to view multiple twitter accounts simultaneously, including my Facebook feed.  (which I have turned off, by the way).  When I take 30 seconds to post a quick update (ie. in planning meeting with other staff folks), I will usually select my @fmckinnon twitter account to post this in addition to the “facebook” tab.  This makes my update go to Facebook.  All without logging in or “playing around” on Facebook.  If I’m not using Tweetdeck, I can opt to include the hashtag #fb at the end of any pics or tweets I may send from my cell phone to also be included on Facebook.

2.  Adium
Adium is an Instant Messaging client that I use to connect with co-workers, friends, and family.  It allows me to have my AIM/AOL/iChat screenname account as well as my @yahoo, @msn, @google, and yes …. @facebook accounts online simultaneously.  So, if Adium is open (and it usually is) – this gives the appearance that I’m “online” at Facebook.

So if you’re one of those who sees me as “available” on Facebook all day, I’m probably not really there … it’s probably my Adium software telling Facebook that I’m online.  If you send a chat via Facebook, Adium will notify me.  Typically, I’ll answer if it’s work-related, or if I have time.  If I don’t I’m sometimes forced to just ignore the chat request.  (sorry!).  Or, I’ll often go off to a meeting and totally forget I left Adium turned on.

3.  Facebook Connect
Many 3rd party websites now use the “Facebook Connect” application.  For example, my blog uses “Facebook Connect” to allow people to leave comments via their Facebook login.  PlanningCenterOnline now interacts directly with Facebook.  TheWorshipCommunity.Com has a huge interaction with Facebook.  Any time I leave a blog comment, a reply to my own blog, or engage in a discussion on TheWorshipCommunity.Com (all of which usually are actions which would 100% fall under my “job description”) – it pings Facebook, and you see “Fred McKinnon has just replied to  ….” in your newsfeed.

4.  Automation

The beauty of technology and automation is another thing that gives the impression that I’m “online” all the time.  (well, I’m online a LOT, that’s for sure).  But here’s a few examples of how I’m “online” when I’m really not, thanks to the beauty of scheduled posts and automation.
* all of my blog posts are scheduled to “import” as “notes” and then later as “networked blogs” onto Facebook – with no action from me.
* many of my blogs are written and then “scheduled” to publish automatically as certain, designated times
* I use TweetAdder software daily.  In addition to allowing me to search and follow certain Twitter users based on keywords in their tweets and/or profile bio (ie. “worship pastor”), I can schedule “tweets” to post in the future.  It’s incredible software and well worth the small price if you are serious about leveraging Twitter to build your follow base, fight spam, manage followers, and schedule tweets.  (disclosure:  links to TweetAdder are my affiliate links)

5.  Communication
The reality here is that I’ve found myself “logging in” and actually clicking around in Facebook more than ever recently.  I’m seeing a pretty dramatic shift in communication preference, and to tell you the truth – I’m not sure what to do about it.

Over the last week, I’ve had a huge amount of “back and forth” emails between two worship artists who were in town this weekend for a concert, a new bass player from our church, a drummer who plays for us who has been sick, etc.  All of that interaction has been happening in my “Facebook” inbox.  So the trend I’m seeing is that I’m getting less direct emails, and more “Facebook” emails.

Summary:

So can Facebook be addicting?  You betcha!  Can people waste too much time there?  You betcha!  Have I let it happen to me from time to time ….?

YOU BETCHA.

I suppose this article could be viewed as a “defense” to those whose ongoing remarks seem to whisper “we don’t think you are getting your work done”.  And deep down, I guess that’s part of the intent.  But the truth is – all of these technologies that I mention are ways I’ve been able to broaden my ability to be accessible, to communicate, to lead, and influence others.  And if I’m living my life correctly, that influence should ultimately be something that honors the Lord and brings glory to Him.

Your Turn – what are your Facebook issues?  Please leave your comments below.