As co-founder and co-host of the Sudbury Social Tweetup, a networking group for those interested in learning more about social media and marketing, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some very smart people, many of whom have become mentors, sounding boards and really good friends. Ashley Hin is one of them.
Blessed with an incredibly upbeat personality, Ashley is someone I’ve looked up to her for her creative thinking, open mindedness, high energy and free spirit since the first time I met her. She’s quite the trooper, too, as she travels all the way from Manchester, New Hampshire to join our group in Sudbury to talk shop and have fun.
Thanks, Ashley, for being such a valuable contributor to the Sudbury Social Tweetup and for being so cool. And thanks for answering the following four questions about social media.
Bob: How did you get started in social media?
Ashley: At first, I was skeptical — to the point where I avoided using social media sites for a while; I didn’t want to be sucked into something that I considered a fad. I took an interest in social media when I noticed how MySpace (yep!) and Facebook in particular allowed my friends to easily stay in touch with one another. When I finally decided to join a social media network, I saw the value right away. I joined Facebook, then Twitter, and the story goes on from there.
Bob: What is your favorite social media channel? Where are you most active online?
Ashley: It’s hard to say which one is my favorite. One day it’s Facebook and another day it’s Twitter, but I’m definitely most active on Facebook. Facebook gives me the opportunity to stay in touch with my friends, plan events, share stories and more. Although I don’t always agree with some of the decisions Facebook as a company makes about the service, I generally like it. I recently joined Pinterest, which I can honestly say I like a lot. I promise it’s more than just recipes and wedding planning pics.
Bob: You’ve told me you attend a lot of Tweetups. Why do you attend so many of these events and which ones have been the most memorable?
Ashley: I joined Twitter to meet new people and keep tabs on what’s happening as it’s happening. When I discovered Tweetups, I started attending them to meet the people I’ve seen on Twitter. Some of my most memorable Tweetups have been the Digital Portsmouth events. I’ve made a lot of great friends through social media — including you, Bob.
Bob: What don’t you like about social media? Is there a downside to using it?
Ashley: With social media, there’s always a risk of getting absorbed by it. If you don’t manage your time wisely, you can find yourself spending half the day on social media without even realizing it. Social media does come with benefits, but there is such a thing as “too much” social media in your life. Don’t be afraid to take a break.
To follow Ashley Hin on Twitter, click here.
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